On March 21, 1989, a Beech F33A (registration N6387S) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC). FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH TERRAIN, THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a preflight weather briefing, the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceilings and reduced visibility. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees on a mountain ridge at an elevation of about 1800 ft.
Preflight Weather Briefing
During the preflight weather briefing, the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceilings and reduced visibility.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft subsequently collided with trees on a mountain ridge at an elevation of about 1800 ft. A park ranger stated that all ridges in the vicinity of the accident site were obscured at the approximate time of the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Wreckage examination failed to indicate a system malfunction or failure. Several propeller slash marks were found on tree branches along the wreckage path.