Accident Overview
A pilot flying the third leg of a trip between Tampa, Florida, and Sussex, New Jersey, was involved in an accident after encountering adverse weather. The aircraft collided with the ground in a remote wooded area following a descent that included a spin, according to witness reports.
Flight History
The pilot had made two previous stops during the trip due to adverse weather conditions. Before departing on this flight, he was advised by a Flight Service Station (FSS) that VFR flight was not recommended. Despite this, he filed a VFR flight plan but did not activate it.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses observed the aircraft flying northeast below a low overcast. Some reported the aircraft was flying in clouds, and one witness stated the clouds were at treetop level. The aircraft reversed course, and soon afterward descended to the ground. One witness noted that before the descent, the aircraft pitched up and spun during the descent. The aircraft then collided with the ground in a remote wooded area.