Overview
A commercial and instrument-rated pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, departed on a night cross-country flight over mountainous terrain. The pilot had received a weather briefing prior to departure.
Weather Conditions
Forecasted weather included scattered clouds at 4,000 to 6,000 feet, broken clouds at 8,000 feet, and a freezing level of 7,000 feet. Witnesses in the accident area reported continuous rain on the night of the accident. A meteorological study of the area later revealed areas of light rain with a freezing level of 6,300 feet.
Flight Details
No flight plan was filed for the flight. No further contact with the airplane was made after departure. The wreckage of the airplane was located seven days after departure.
Radar Data
The last radar data from the National Track Analysis Program (NTAP) showed the airplane descending from 8,000 feet to 7,400 feet before contact was lost.