Departure
The pilot flew into the airport to pick up a second passenger and refuel. After refueling and recalculating weight and balance, the pilot called AFSS for an updated weather briefing and filed an IFR flight plan, receiving an IFR clearance and void time. During this period, a snow squall began.
Witnesses observed the two passengers sweeping snow off the airplane's wings prior to departure, but not the horizontal stabilator. While taxiing to the runway, the pilot acknowledged on UNICOM that the winds were out of the east at 8-10 knots. A witness noted that visibility was approximately 1/4 mile in heavy snow when the airplane departed runway 27.
Accident
The airplane struck trees approximately half a mile from the runway. A passenger stated that there were no engine problems prior to hitting the trees. The pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies with the airframe or engine.
Examination
An on-site examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies with the airframe or engine.