Overview
A personal cross-country flight ended when the aircraft collided with the side of a mountain near Clingmans Dome, Tennessee, at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet. The pilot, who held a commercial certificate and instrument rating, was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Flight Details
No flight plan was filed for the trip, and no radio communications were made with the flight prior to the accident. The purpose of the flight was personal.
Accident Circumstances
According to a member of the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, the area of the crash site was obscured by clouds and fog at the time of the accident. The aircraft struck the mountain in a climbing, wings-level attitude, as indicated by damage to trees at the site. The wreckage was scattered uphill from the initial impact point.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage found no evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction. The aircraft's systems and structure appeared to have been functioning normally prior to impact.
Summary
The accident occurred in visual conditions compromised by cloud and fog obscuring the mountainous terrain. The pilot was on a personal cross-country flight without a filed flight plan or radio contact.