The Accident
A private pilot, a British citizen who had recently received his certification, was returning from a cross-country flight. Approximately five miles from his intended destination airport, the aircraft collided with the side of Lavender Mountain. The wreckage was located 11 days after the accident.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the crash site was obscured by clouds at the time of the accident. The pilot was not instrument-rated, meaning he was not qualified to fly solely by reference to instruments. Examination of the tree damage and airframe structure indicated that the aircraft was in level flight with its wings level at the moment of impact with the trees.
Weather Information
The pilot had obtained some weather information from a Flight Service Station earlier in the day. However, he did not receive a briefing specifically for his destination airport and did not collect any weather data during his last fuel stop.