Accident Summary
The accident occurred when the airplane impacted mountainous terrain after the instrument-rated commercial pilot reported that he was in clouds and was picking up ice during a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. The pilot had obtained an updated weather briefing at the departure airport, which advised him that VFR flight along his planned route was not recommended.
Weather Information
A review of weather data indicated that the freezing level was at 9,536 feet mean sea level (msl). The bases of clouds ranged anywhere from 400 feet to 3,000 feet above ground level (agl), and the cloud tops in the area of the accident site were 22,000 feet. The accident site was at the 4,650-foot level of the mountain.
Aircraft Examination
No anomalies with the engine or airplane were noted that would have prevented their normal operation.