Flight Plan and Weather Conditions
The pilot filed a flight plan to an airport that lacked an instrument approach procedure. Meteorological conditions around the airport were not conducive to visual flight, and high terrain in the area was obscured by clouds.
Cancellation of Instrument Clearance and Visual Attempt
After canceling his instrument clearance, the pilot attempted to enter the airport visually. While on this approach, the airplane collided with a 4,200-foot ridge situated 15 miles from the destination airport.
Wreckage and Investigation
The airplane struck the rocky face of the mountain and was restrained from sliding down the slope by vegetation. The subsequent wreckage fire consumed much of the aircraft. The crash site was located six days after the accident. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies.
Destination Airport Conditions
At the time of the accident, the destination airport reported a 2,000-foot ceiling and 7 miles visibility. The field elevation is 2,020 feet.