Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated private pilot was conducting a day visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. While approaching the destination, the pilot encountered low ceilings, fog, and turbulence over mountainous terrain within 100 miles of the destination.
Loss of Control and Impact
The pilot lost control of the airplane, which then descended out of control and broke up in flight before impacting the mountainous terrain. The wreckage was spread over a distance of 2,263 feet on a heading of 030 degrees.
Weather Information
A weather briefing received approximately five hours before the accident did not include the adverse conditions encountered. Later, at around 1400, the pilot was informed of weather conditions at the Van Horn airport via UNICOM.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved the pilot continuing towards the destination after encountering deteriorating weather, leading to a loss of control and in-flight breakup. No probable cause was stated in the source.