Flight Planning and Departure
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, planned a daytime cross-country flight. However, the passenger arrived late, and the aircraft departed after sunset. No record of a weather briefing was found for the flight.
In-Flight Events
Approximately two hours after takeoff, the flight entered an area of thundershowers and heavy rain. Residents near the eventual crash site later reported hearing the loud engine noise of an airplane passing low overhead.
Accident Sequence
The airplane collided with trees while in a shallow descent. The aircraft was heading away from its destination at the time of impact, with a 40-degree right bank. The specific aircraft type, registration, and number of occupants were not documented in the source material.