What happened
Prior to departing Newport, OR, for a flight to Renton, WA, the pilot obtained a weather briefing. The briefing indicated that weather conditions were marginal VFR and were forecast to become variable IMC along the intended route. The pilot did not file a flight plan or declare intentions, but departed approximately two hours after the briefing.
When the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, a search operation was initiated. The wreckage was not located until August 24, 1990. The investigation determined that the aircraft had crashed into wooded, mountainous terrain near the head of a canyon at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet. The impact occurred on a heading of 165 degrees, with the entrance to the canyon situated south of the crash site.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction of the engine or other aircraft systems.