On December 20, 1997, a Mooney M20F (registration N2965L) was involved in an aviation accident near Safford, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's poor in-flight judgement and intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were, mountainous terrain, rain and fog. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot, after receiving a weather briefing for marginal VFR with rain and snow showers, decided to proceed. Following a paved road to avoid low clouds, he inadvertently entered clouds after turning around a mountain. A climbing left turn resulted in the aircraft striking a hill and a small tree. The second pilot had urged turning back three times.
Background
The pilot obtained a weather briefing before departure. The briefing indicated that the area along the intended route was expected to be marginal VFR, with rain and snow showers.
The Flight
Despite the marginal conditions, the pilot decided to attempt the flight. He observed low lying clouds to the north of the planned route but believed he could remain clear of them by following a paved road. As he proceeded, the road curved around a mountain. Upon turning the corner, the pilot inadvertently entered the clouds.
The Accident
Once inside the clouds, the pilot began a climbing left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a hill and a small tree. The source notes that the second pilot had insisted three times that they turn around, but their pleas were not heeded.