Flight and ATC Communications
The flight was conducted under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan above an overcast layer of clouds. As the pilot approached the destination airport, air traffic control (ATC) informed him that there would be a delay in issuing an approach clearance due to other traffic in the area. The pilot elected not to wait and requested vectors to an area of known visual conditions.
Cancelation of IFR Clearance
After receiving vectors, the pilot reported seeing a 'big hole' in the clouds. He then canceled his IFR clearance and informed ATC that he intended to perform a circling descent to get beneath the cloud layer. Shortly thereafter, the airplane dropped below ATC's radar coverage. ATC subsequently cleared the pilot to the destination via his own navigation.
Accident
Approximately seven minutes after canceling his IFR clearance, the airplane impacted rapidly rising terrain. The terrain was shrouded in thick fog at the time of the accident.
Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, and no probable cause has been determined at this time.