Incident Overview
A pilot received a preflight weather briefing that forecast moderate turbulence, icing, and low ceilings in mountainous terrain along the intended route. Despite the forecast, the pilot departed under visual flight rules (VFR).
Sequence of Events
While en route to the destination, the pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) as forecast. In response, the pilot initiated a climb and contacted air traffic control (ATC) to request an IFR clearance. ATC cleared the pilot for an instrument approach to an airport other than the original destination.
During the approach, the aircraft descended below the cloud base. The pilot then canceled the IFR clearance and attempted to continue under VFR. The route continued to include mountainous terrain.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the mountain tops were obscured by low ceilings. They observed the aircraft flying into the clouds.
Accident Outcome
The aircraft subsequently crashed into trees in mountainous terrain.