Accident Overview
A night flight ended when the airplane collided with hilly terrain in a near wings-level attitude. At the time of the accident, weather in the area was characterized as instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). An on-site inspection of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an instrument rating, but a review of logbook entries indicated that he was not instrument current at the time of the accident.
Communication and Flight Path
Prior to the accident, the pilot contacted the control tower and requested a transition through their area. He subsequently advised the tower that he was going to perform a 180-degree turn. Following that transmission, no further communications were received from the pilot by the tower.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the airplane struck terrain in a near wings-level attitude. The lack of mechanical issues with the engine suggests the flight was under power until impact. The pilot's lack of instrument currency may have been relevant given the IMC conditions, though the report does not explicitly state a causal relationship.