Accident Overview
A noninstrument-rated pilot contacted flight service the day before the accident and requested and received an IFR briefing for the planned flight. The weather briefer provided the pilot with information that included IFR conditions at the destination airport area, which encompassed the accident site. The subsequent flight ended when the aircraft collided with a hillside.
Weather Conditions
Ground witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering in the accident area before it entered stratus clouds with a 500-foot ceiling. At the time, prevailing visibility was less than 1 mile.
Witness Observations
According to ground witnesses, the engine sound increased rapidly when the airplane entered the clouds. Approximately 2 seconds later, the aircraft collided with the side of a hill.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that it struck the hillside in a level flight attitude. The propeller blades and hub assembly showed damage characteristics consistent with high power being developed at impact. No preexisting malfunctions or failures were noted.