Accident Circumstances
The flight was conducted under night visual flight rules. After departing, the airplane collided with an up-sloping wooded area. The accident site was roughly 6 miles to the northeast of the departure airport.
Wreckage and Terrain
The wreckage was found at an elevation of 493 feet above mean sea level. It was situated on a ridgeline that extended upward to 758 feet above mean sea level.
Weather Conditions
At the time of departure, the departure airport reported visibility of 4 statute miles, with mist present. The sky condition was scattered clouds at 1,600 feet. The temperature and dew point were both 13 degrees Celsius. Near the time of the accident, the destination airport reported visibility of 3 statute miles. The sky was broken at 500 feet and also broken at 1,000 feet. The temperature and dew point were the same as at departure: 13 degrees Celsius.
Pilot Actions
The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing on the day of the accident.