Background
The pilot, who lacked an instrument rating, obtained outlook and abbreviated weather briefings prior to departing on an extended cross-country flight. During the abbreviated briefing, an FAA Flight Service Station specialist advised the pilot that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The pilot indicated he would call back before departure, but no record of such a return call exists.
Events
Later that day, the pilot landed at an airport midway between the departure point and planned destination. While there, he refueled the aircraft and obtained another weather briefing. The pilot told the airport manager that the FSS specialist had said VFR flight was not recommended. The manager suggested flying south into eastern Kansas, west of the weather system, then landing to check conditions before proceeding.
Discovery
Relatives reported the pilot missing on December 28, 1997. The aircraft was subsequently located on April 17, 1998. On-scene examination revealed that the airplane had collided with trees and terrain, and was destroyed by fire.
Investigation
Examination of the airframe, engine, and flight control systems found no anomalies that would have prevented normal flight. Weather reports from locations approximately 60 miles southwest and 35 miles northeast of the accident site indicated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at the approximate time of the accident.