Accident Overview
The airplane collided with terrain following an encounter with clouds and low ceilings. The accident site elevation is about 2,800 feet mean sea level (msl). The pilot did not possess an instrument rating.
Witness Observations
Two witnesses observed the airplane; one was a licensed pilot. A loud engine sound, described as revving to a high rpm, caught their attention. The airplane sounded very low. They heard the sound for 2 to 3 seconds before seeing the airplane emerge from clouds with its nose pointing down more than 75 degrees. The witnesses were looking north at the side of the airplane as it moved right to left. They did not observe any rotation of the airplane as it disappeared behind a ridgeline, after which they heard a muffled thud. The engine sound ceased simultaneously. No pieces separated from the airplane during flight.
Weather Conditions
The weather was overcast and misting. A weather study indicated cloud tops were generally in the 4,000-foot range on the coast and increased to nearly 7,000 feet in the vicinity of the accident site. Several pilot reports indicated a broken to overcast layer of clouds with cloud tops ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 feet.
Radar Data
Recorded radar data showed the airplane maintained a northeasterly track for nearly 20 minutes after takeoff. It then began a gradual left turn lasting 2 minutes. The target made a sharp left 90-degree turn, followed by a right turn. After completing 360 degrees, the right turn decreased in radius and continued for over 270 degrees until the last recorded target, which was near the accident site. The target reached a peak mode C reported altitude of 6,700 feet at the beginning of the first right turn. The last mode C reported altitude was 4,900 feet, occurring about 180 degrees into the second right turn.