Narrative
The pilot departed on a local night pleasure flight. Radar data indicated that the airplane initially headed north-northwest from the airport, towards mountainous terrain. It crossed over a ridge and maneuvered along its northwestern edge before turning southeast. The airplane continued on the southeasterly heading for several minutes, then crossed back over the mountain ridge in a shallow descent, after which radar data ended. The airplane came to rest in heavily wooded terrain approximately 25 feet below a 3,375-foot mountain peak.
Pilot Experience
Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had recently completed 2.8 hours of flight instruction, of which 1.5 hours were at night, after not having flown for almost two years. Additionally, the pilot had not logged any solo flight time in almost 13 years prior to the accident.
Weather and Conditions
Weather reported about the time of the accident at an airport 12.7 nautical miles to the south, about 2,700 feet below the accident site elevation, included winds from 240 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 6 statute miles, mist, and clear skies. The moon was 86% illuminated, 26 degrees above the horizon.
Investigation
Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.