Accident Details
Aircraft on a VFR flight from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Welch, West Virginia, made an intermediate landing at Bluefield, West Virginia. The pilot refueled and obtained a weather briefing at Bluefield. Departure for the final leg occurred at 2241 Eastern Daylight Time.
Approximately 12 miles west-northwest of Bluefield, the aircraft collided with steeply rising terrain at an elevation of about 2,800 feet. The impact point was roughly 100 feet below the summit of a mountain and about 4 miles to the left of a direct line between Bluefield and Welch.
Weather Conditions
The 2249 EDT weather observation at Bluefield reported: low scattered clouds, an overcast ceiling at 1,200 feet, visibility of 7 miles, and wind from 250 degrees at 4 knots.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft.