What happened
The pilot of a Piper PA-23-180 departed a controlled airfield for a flight to a destination located approximately thirty minutes north of the departure point. The flight had previously experienced delays due to weather conditions. The aircraft departed after dark, with the planned route forecast to include variable ceilings and occasional rain showers.
Upon departure, the pilot headed north toward the intended destination and opened a VFR flight plan. The aircraft then began a slow right turn, transitioning to an easterly heading. During this period, the pilot contacted approach control to request flight following services. After receiving a discrete transponder code, the pilot informed the controller that the aircraft would proceed north at whatever altitude was necessary to remain clear of the clouds.
However, the aircraft continued on an easterly to northeasterly course rather than turning north. Approximately six minutes after the initial contact with approach control, the aircraft impacted a mountain ridge. Prior to the impact, the pilot had not reported any issues regarding navigation or the mechanical operation of the aircraft.