Accident Details
A private pilot on a pleasure flight reported to air traffic control that he was circling upward through a hole in the clouds, searching for clear skies to continue northbound. The pilot was unable to climb above the clouds and subsequently descended in an attempt to fly beneath them.
Sequence of Events
ATC advised the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended due to cloud conditions, obscured mountains, and low freezing levels. The pilot's last transmission indicated he was proceeding under the clouds, after which radar and radio contact were lost.
Findings
The airplane was located in a heavily wooded area, with its fuselage positioned vertically to the terrain. Examination revealed no noted mechanical failures or malfunctions.