Accident Details
The pilot, who held a private pilot certificate but was not instrument rated, performed a preflight inspection and taxied east to the approach end of runway 26 at an airport with an elevation of 6,748 feet. After an engine run-up, the pilot elected to take off westward on runway 26. Weather reported at the airport included an overcast ceiling at 200 feet, visibility of 3/4 mile in fog, and calm wind.
Witness Observations
Witnesses noted that to the east, the sky was clear with blue sky and the rising sun visible, while to the west and south, low clouds and restricted visibility prevailed. After takeoff, the airplane climbed into the clouds. Within 60 seconds, witnesses observed the airplane descending from the clouds in a steep left bank. The aircraft subsequently struck a mountainside 0.8 miles from the airport, at an elevation of about 6,850 feet, in a nose-low and steep left bank attitude.
Wreckage Examination
Post-crash examination of the wreckage revealed evidence of oil leakage on the airplane's belly and on the engine's exterior, with oil stains directed aft. Additionally, a puddle of oil was found on the hangar floor below where the engine would have been while the airplane was parked. However, no evidence of oil starvation, overheat distress signatures, or loss of engine power was found. The attitude indicator was noted to have a history of precession. Both the baggage compartment door and the pilot's lap belt were found unlatched. No maintenance logs were located.
Pilot Background
The accident occurred 10 days after the pilot was issued his private pilot certificate. The pilot's former flight instructor (CFI) reported that the pilot had tinkered with the engine in an attempt to stop oil leakage. The CFI also characterized the pilot as being an aggressive student.