Accident Overview
A composite aircraft impacted the side of a mountain approximately 20 minutes before sunset. The pilot, a noninstrument-rated private pilot, had departed on a cross-country flight. No anomalies were noted that would have prevented normal aircraft operation.
Weather Conditions
The pilot obtained printed weather information via a DUATs system about nine hours prior to departure. At the time of the flight, AIRMETS for mountain obscurement, moderate turbulence, and moderate rime/mixed icing conditions were in effect and included the accident site area. Earlier weather observations from the departure airport reported snow showers over the mountains along the planned route. A witness near the accident site reported being unable to see the mountain's base throughout the day due to sleet, snow, rain, and wind. Although nearby airport weather observations indicated VFR conditions, forecasts for the flight route still indicated a chance of mountain obscurement.
Flight Preparation
No evidence was found that the pilot obtained updated weather information for the route of flight before taking off.