Circumstances
The pilot and his wife departed Stockton, California (SCK) in visual flight rules (VFR) weather conditions to return to their home in Flagstaff, Arizona. The weather at the destination airport had been below VFR minimums throughout the morning and was forecast to remain poor through the night. The pilot did not request a weather briefing before takeoff and did not seek weather information from any facility while en route.
Flight
After approximately 3.5 hours of flight and nearing Flagstaff (FLG), the pilot encountered instrument flight rules (IFR) weather conditions. Despite it being one hour past sunset and lacking an instrument rating, he chose to continue the flight. The Flagstaff controller reported that he never saw the aircraft and never issued a clearance to enter the control zone.
Collision
The aircraft collided with trees and terrain four miles west of Flagstaff while descending at a 60-degree angle in a 40-degree bank.
Investigation
The investigation revealed no pre-impact malfunction of the aircraft engine. Due to the damage sustained, flight control continuity could not be established.