Incident Overview
An aircraft was receiving flight following services while cruising at an altitude of 8,500 feet, inbound to Portland, Oregon. According to the pilot, he was searching for an opening in the cloud layer to descend through. He subsequently initiated a descent to 6,500 feet.
Radar Observations
The radar controller observed the aircraft's track deviating to the north and requested the pilot to report when the aircraft was again headed southbound. However, the aircraft continued in a northerly direction.
Impact
The aircraft subsequently impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 3,600 feet while still heading north. The circumstances surrounding the impact indicate a controlled flight into terrain scenario, with the aircraft descending below the surrounding terrain height.
Investigation Details
No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date of occurrence, operator, number of occupants, injuries, damage extent, time of day, weather characterization, or air traffic control involvement beyond the noted controller request. The probable cause of the accident was not stated in the source material.