Incident Details
The pilot departed Dayton, Ohio, at about 0800 on a flight to Macon, Georgia, with an en route stop at Crossville, Tennessee. Due to weather along his planned route, he chose to fly to Knoxville's Downtown Island Airport (DKX) to refuel, then proceed directly to Macon. After refueling, he departed for a direct flight over the mountains.
The pilot stated that the peaks were too high and he located a mountain valley leading to a pass across the ridge line. He observed cumulus clouds over the peaks. Before reaching the crest, clouds began to move in around him. He started a turn back to avoid the clouds, but the landing gear brushed the trees. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed.
Rescue
Personnel hiking in the area heard the crash, found the aircraft, and gave first aid to the pilot. They obtained help from park rangers. The pilot was evacuated by helicopter after delays due to thunderstorms in the area.
Medical Information
The pilot indicated he was taking prescription drugs. A toxicology check showed his blood contained 0.095 mg/L of nordiazepam. Cannabinoids were detected in his urine, but none was found in his blood.