Circumstances of the Flight
The pilot departed from an airport located on the coast under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). However, the surrounding mountains, situated a few miles inland, had been obscured by clouds and low ceilings for several hours prior to the flight.
Communication with Air Traffic Control
Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, the pilot contacted an approach control facility to request Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight following. About one minute after this initial contact, the pilot began indicating difficulties with the weather and determining his precise location. Within about three and a half minutes from the first transmission, the pilot stated that he could not see "anything." This was his last known radio communication.
Loss of Radar Contact
At roughly the same time as the final transmission, the aircraft's transponder code disappeared from the controller's radar screen. The controller repeatedly asked the pilot whether he was in VMC or operating under VFR. Each time, the pilot responded affirmatively.
Collision
The aircraft subsequently collided with a mountain at an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet.