Accident Overview
A Piper PA-23-180 departed a controlled airfield for a VFR flight to a destination approximately thirty minutes north. The flight had been delayed due to weather and departed after dark. According to the forecast along the planned route, occasional rain showers and variable ceilings were expected.
Flight Progression
After departure, the pilot flew north toward the destination and opened a VFR flight plan. The aircraft then began a slow right turn to an easterly heading. The pilot contacted approach control for flight following and was assigned a discrete transponder code. During the communication, the pilot stated that he would proceed north at an altitude that would keep him out of the clouds.
Impact
Despite the stated intention to head north, the aircraft continued on an easterly to northeasterly heading. Approximately six minutes after the initial contact with approach control, the airplane impacted a mountain ridge. Prior to impact, the pilot did not report any issues with the aircraft or navigation.
Investigation
The accident investigation focused on the sequence of events. No probable cause was determined from the available information. The aircraft was a Piper PA-23-180, a twin-engine light airplane.