Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a night cross-country flight over mountainous terrain impacted trees while in level flight attitude on a fog-shrouded mountain ridge. The accident occurred at an elevation of 5,500 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The pilot's intended destination was located at an elevation of 378 feet above sea level, approximately 77 nautical miles east of the accident location. The ceiling at the destination was reported at 5,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
Pilot Actions
According to the investigation, the pilot did not obtain a preflight weather briefing prior to takeoff for the night cross-country flight. The flight was conducted over mountainous terrain en route to the destination.
Impact Details
The aircraft impacted trees while maintaining a level flight attitude. The collision occurred on a ridge shrouded in fog. The specific location of the impact was at an elevation of 5,500 feet MSL.