Incident Overview
An airplane on a northerly heading struck trees near the top of a hill at an elevation of about 1,650 feet. The event occurred after the aircraft descended from an altitude of 2,400 feet.
Preflight and Flight Details
The pilot received a partial weather briefing before departure. The forecast for the destination airport included: 900 ft scattered, 1,500 ft overcast, visibility greater than 6 miles, with occasional conditions of visibility 5 miles, ceiling 900 ft broken, and 1,500 ft overcast. The destination airport elevation was 560 ft. The pilot departed without filing a flight plan.
Radar Observations
Radar data showed a radar target appearing 1 mile north of the departure airport, heading north. The target climbed to 2,400 feet and then began a descent. It disappeared about 1 mile south of the accident site at 2,100 feet, while heading north and descending.
Witness Reports and Conditions
Witnesses in the area reported low clouds, fog, and rain.
Mechanical Examination
No preimpact mechanical failure was found. The blades of both propellers exhibited chordwise scratches and twisting or curling.