What happened
A non-instrument rated private pilot departed for a night flight in mountainous terrain, carrying three passengers. The intended route was to an airport located 90 miles away. Approximately five hours prior to departure, the pilot had received a weather briefing for the VFR flight.
During the flight, the pilot maintained contact with ATC and received radar advisories. The pilot reported that ceilings were lowering along the flight path, and ATC advised the crew of level one and two precipitation ahead. As the aircraft flew from west to east, localized adverse weather, including snow and low ceilings, was moving from west to east.
Following the termination of ATC services, the aircraft continued to descend. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost shortly after. The aircraft subsequently impacted a mountain ridge at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet MSL. The impact destroyed the aircraft. No distress calls were recorded by the pilot prior to the accident.
The investigation
The investigation found no evidence of mechanical deficiencies occurring prior to the impact. The wreckage was located on a ridge situated on a direct line between the departure and destination airports.