Accident Overview
On the evening of the accident, a noninstrument-rated pilot decided to depart in order to return home to manage a bowling tournament. Marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were forecast for the following day, prompting the pilot to leave that evening.
Flight Progress
After takeoff, the pilot received a weather advisory from flight service indicating that conditions were deteriorating along the planned route. The pilot acknowledged but stated he would continue. The aircraft subsequently passed east of Bremerton at an altitude between 2,900 and 3,000 feet. At that time, Bremerton reported an overcast ceiling of 600 feet.
Loss of Control
Two minutes later, the aircraft entered a descending left turn to the east. During this turn, the aircraft's speed increased beyond its never-exceed speed, and the descent rate rose to 2,400 feet per minute before the aircraft disappeared from radar. Four seconds after radar contact was lost, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) requesting assistance. No further transmissions were received.
Crash and Witness Observations
The aircraft crashed approximately one-half mile northeast of the last radar position. Witnesses at the scene reported that the aircraft impacted the ground at about a 45-degree descent angle. They stated that the engine sounded normal throughout the descent and noted low cloud cover in the area. The source provides no information on injuries or fatalities.