Flight Details
The accident occurred during a cross-country flight from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Clarksburg, West Virginia. The pilot, who was not instrument rated, was operating the aircraft under visual flight rules.
Weather Conditions
Prior to the flight, the pilot obtained a computer radar weather report in Statesville, North Carolina, which indicated a ceiling of 4,500 feet and visibility of 20 miles. However, the nearest weather station, approximately 10 miles from the accident site, reported the sky as obscured with visibility of one-eighth of a mile in light drizzle and fog.
Accident Sequence
While en route, the pilot climbed to as high as 9,000 feet to avoid clouds. After crossing the first mountain ridge, he descended to 500 feet. The pilot stated that he slowed the aircraft to 70 knots and continued his descent in an attempt to regain sight of the ground. During this descent through the overcast, the aircraft collided with trees.