Pilot Actions
The VFR-rated pilot requested an IFR clearance to get on top of weather conditions, then continued the flight under VFR. During the flight, two different air traffic facilities received transmissions from the pilot. One facility reported that the pilot transmitted he was inbound for a landing to refuel.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude and that the engine was cutting on and off. They further stated that the engine came on again and the aircraft entered a steep climb to clear a mountain top. After clearing the top of the mountain, the aircraft impacted the ground in a steep nose-down attitude. The impact heading was opposite the direction of flight.
Fuel Information
Records indicate that the aircraft was topped off with fuel prior to departure. The aircraft has two 30-gallon main tanks and two 15-gallon auxiliary tanks. The flight was approximately 2 hours long prior to the accident. At 75 percent cruise power, the aircraft burns approximately 14 gallons per hour.