Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed after receiving a complete weather briefing. The pilot had accumulated a total of 4 hours of simulated instrument time. The flight was conducted at night, and the pilot entered IMC while in cruise flight. The inbound course from the point of departure was 208 degrees.
Weather Information
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that recommended against VFR flight within 200 miles of the destination due to low ceilings and poor visibilities. The pilot updated the weather at two refueling stops during the flight. The pilot informed an FBO manager that he planned to stop short of the instrument conditions and wait for the weather to improve.
Wreckage
The wreckage was discovered in a wheat field, scattered over a distance of 283 feet on a heading of 305 degrees. The location was 40 nautical miles beyond the pilot's intended stopping point, indicating that the pilot continued into adverse weather conditions despite his stated plan.