Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with rising terrain in a mountainous area of Minnewaska State Park during a climb to cruise on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The crash site was approximately 1,430 feet higher in elevation than the departure airport.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the departure airport was reported as 1,000 feet broken clouds and 2,000 feet overcast. Park rangers stated that the mountaintops were obscured in the afternoon on the accident date.
Flight Planning and Clearance
A specialist at the Poughkeepsie Flight Service Station (FSS) reported that after copying the pilot's requested instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, he asked if the pilot wanted a weather briefing. The pilot replied no and, according to the specialist, hung up the phone. Approximately two minutes after being given taxi instructions and placing his clearance on request, the pilot was advised that there was no flight plan stored and that he would have to come in and file one.
Departure
Shortly after being informed of the missing flight plan, the pilot requested a VFR departure and was cleared for takeoff. The subsequent flight ended in the collision with terrain in Minnewaska State Park.