What happened
The pilot filed a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan despite being explicitly advised that VFR conditions were not recommended. A witness observed the aircraft on course for its destination at a low altitude over a highway, estimating the ceiling to be approximately 100 feet with poor visibility due to moderate snowfall. The aircraft was then seen executing a sharp left turn before impacting rising terrain.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot was required to wear corrective lenses for vision correction, as their uncorrected vision was rated at 20/200. At the time of the accident, these corrective lenses were not being worn. This lack of visual correction, combined with flying into deteriorating weather conditions contrary to safety advice, contributed significantly to the loss of situational awareness and the subsequent collision with terrain.
Safety message
Pilots must strictly adhere to weather advisories and ensure all required personal equipment, such as corrective lenses, is available and used during flight operations.