Incident Overview
A pilot reported that he obtained a weather briefing before takeoff and was informed that the weather at his intended destination was marginal. While en route, he encountered weather conditions and climbed above them. Approximately four hours after departure, he became concerned about the remaining fuel supply and decided to land. He found an opening in the cloud cover and began a descent.
Descent and Forced Landing
As the aircraft descended, the pilot became aware that he was near a mountain top. He stated that the aircraft encountered wind currents and became difficult to control. Subsequently, the winds forced the aircraft down into the trees. A nearby hunter, who heard the crash, reported that the weather was foggy and light drizzle was falling.
Conditions
The pilot's decision to land was driven by concerns over fuel. The weather at the time of the incident, as described by the hunter, included fog and light drizzle. The pilot's initial weather briefing had indicated marginal conditions at the destination.