Accident Narrative
The instrument-rated pilot received three weather briefings and waited three hours for conditions to improve before departing on a VFR flight. According to witnesses, mountain tops along the intended route were obscured by clouds. The pilot informed witnesses that he was concerned about the freezing level and wanted to remain VFR. He also told a Flight Service Station weather briefer that he was trying to avoid icing conditions and that flying lower was better. The pilot filed a flight plan for a route along a victor airway at VFR altitudes.
Radar data indicated the airplane climbed to a maximum altitude of 8,700 feet mean sea level (msl) while heading northwest on course, after which radar contact was lost. When the radar altitude data was overlaid on topographical information, it showed that the terrain rose to meet the airplane's last recorded radar altitude. The airplane subsequently impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 8,736 feet msl.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports along the route of flight indicated cloud bases beginning at approximately 7,300 feet msl. The surrounding mountain tops were obscured by clouds at the time of the flight.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the aircraft.