Accident Details
The accident occurred when the airplane, observed maneuvering in and out of cloud cover, struck a mountain at an elevation of 1,355 feet. The peak of the ridgeline, located three-quarters of a mile east of the accident site, rose to 1,800 feet mean sea level.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions included mist and fog. The mountain peak was obscured by low cloud ceilings. An AIRMET had been issued for instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and mountain obscuration.
Pilot Actions
The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan on the day of the accident.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies.