Flight Path
After takeoff, the pilot flew westward but determined that a VFR departure was not possible in that area. He then turned southeast, flying parallel to the east side of the mountains. At some point, he turned around and believed he saw a break in the clouds. He attempted a VFR climb, but the aircraft entered instrument conditions. He continued climbing while in instrument conditions.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions near the accident site were reported as overcast ceilings at 3,400 feet above ground level (agl). Another pilot, who was performing a GPS approach into an airport near the time of the accident, reported ceilings of 600 feet overcast at the airport.
Impact and Damage
Shortly after entering instrument conditions, the aircraft impacted upsloping, mountainous terrain at an elevation of 8,500 feet. During the impact sequence, the wings were sheared off, the fuselage was crushed and broken into several sections, and the tail was bent 90 degrees to the left.