Flight Planning
The pilot, a non-instrument rated private pilot recently certified in Canada, received a weather briefing from a Flight Service Station and filed a VFR flight plan to Portland, Oregon. The briefing included information on moderate turbulence, light to moderate icing, mountain obscurations, and marginal VFR to IFR ceilings at the destination. The pilot was also advised that VFR flight was not recommended.
In-Flight Events
When the flight was approximately 20 miles east of Portland Airport, the pilot contacted air traffic control and was advised to maintain VFR at 2,000 feet for a straight-in landing at Portland. About two minutes later, the pilot reported that he was descending to 1,200 feet to remain VFR. Shortly thereafter, he encountered weather and initiated a climb in instrument meteorological conditions. During the climb, the aircraft stalled, then descended out of control until impact with trees at 1,200 feet MSL.
Weather Conditions
At the Troutdale Airport, located about 9 miles west of the accident site (elevation 36 feet), the weather at 1518 PDT was reported in part: 1,200-foot overcast ceiling, 3 miles visibility with moderate rain, wind from 230 degrees at 6 knots.