Incident Overview
A non-instrument rated Canadian pilot conducted a weather briefing before departure and was advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Despite this, the pilot departed under a VFR flight plan and received VFR flight following from air traffic control (ATC).
Sequence of Events
While cruising at night at 3,000 feet MSL, the pilot was notified that radar contact was lost and was instructed to resume own navigation. A frequency change was approved, but no further communication was established with the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed in mountainous terrain.
Wreckage Distribution
Evidence of tree contact was found at an elevation of 2,800 feet. The main wreckage came to rest on lower terrain approximately 1,500 feet beyond and 1,000 feet below the initial point of impact.
Weather Conditions
About 11 miles west at Olympia (elevation 206 feet), the weather at 1950 local time was: ceiling 3,000 feet overcast, visibility 5 miles, wind from 200 degrees at 20 knots.
Examination Findings
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found in the wreckage.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.