Flight Planning and Briefing
Before takeoff, the pilot, who did not hold an instrument rating, received a briefing from a weather service office for a VFR flight without a flight plan. Later, while in flight, the pilot contacted an Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) and was informed that VFR flight was not recommended.
In-Flight Events
During the flight, the pilot informed an Air Route Traffic Control Center (Center) that he was climbing to 7,000 feet to remain on top of the clouds. As the pilot approached his destination, he told Approach Control that he was on top of an overcast layer and was trying to find a place to descend. Subsequently, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
A different approach controller observed a slow-moving primary radar target south of the destination airport. However, after the target was lost, the controller was unable to determine its last known location or confirm its identity.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft impacted trees in a near-level attitude, followed by a descent path approximately 60 degrees nose-down to the terrain. Damage to the trees and the propeller indicated that the engine was developing power at the time of impact.
Weather Conditions
The weather in the area at the time of the accident is not known. A weather study indicated a forecast of heavy rain, reduced visibilities, and moderate turbulence below the clouds.