Accident Overview
A non-instrument rated pilot was flying east through mountainous terrain to keep an appointment. During the flight, the pilot informed an air traffic controller, "if the clouds come down a bit, I may want to do some scud-running." The aircraft subsequently failed to arrive at its destination, leading to a search effort. The wreckage was discovered in mountainous terrain at an elevation of 2,860 feet, approximately 18 nautical miles east of the airport.
Examination Findings
Investigators examined the airframe, engine, and instruments. No evidence of malfunction was found. The airplane had been fully fueled before departure. Among the items recovered from the wreckage was 268 pounds of baggage. No other anomalies were noted.
Pilot and Flight Details
The pilot was not instrument rated. The purpose of the flight was to attend an appointment. The pilot's comment about "scud-running" was made to a controller earlier in the flight. The airplane was topped off with fuel prior to departure, and 268 pounds of baggage was recovered from the wreckage.