Preflight Weather Briefing
Approximately 20 minutes before departure, the pilot contacted the Seattle Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) to inquire about current conditions at the departure and destination airports. Both airports reported marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, with the destination reporting worse conditions. Ceilings at both locations were lower than forecast at the time of the call and were expected to lower further during the planned flight. When the briefer offered terminal forecasts and other weather information, the pilot declined.
Departure and Flight
Shortly after the call, the flight departed under VFR during dark night conditions. No flight plan was filed, and no air traffic services were provided. While flying toward the destination at low altitude, the flight entered an area of rapidly deteriorating weather, including low ceilings, rain, and snow.
Accident Sequence
The airplane subsequently struck a stand of trees, which separated its left wing, and crashed.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examinations of the aircraft and engine found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical or structural defects. The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) did not activate in the crash. The flight was not reported missing for several hours and was not located until several hours after being reported missing. Investigators found the ELT switch in the OFF position in the wreckage; the battery had been changed two months before the accident. The ELT functioned as designed when checked with the switch in the ON and ARMED positions.