Background
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, received a weather briefing before departure. During the briefing, the briefer twice stated that VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot acknowledged the information, filed a flight plan, and subsequently departed.
Flight and Weather
Radar data indicated that after takeoff, the airplane maintained a direct course toward its intended destination. A witness located on a mountain top reported that at the time of the accident, visibility was approximately 10 feet due to fog. The witness also stated that rain and hail had been falling. The witness heard the airplane impacting trees and noted that the engine sounded loud and strong.
Accident Sequence
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane struck trees while following a descending flight path. No other details about the aircraft, its occupants, or the extent of damage were provided in the source material.