Flight Details
A certificated private pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight over mountainous terrain. To reach the destination, the flight needed to traverse a commonly used mountain pass. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing.
Weather Conditions
The weather briefing included AIRMETs for mountain obscuration along the planned route of flight. The Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) briefer advised that no pilot weather reports were available for the area around the mountain pass. The AFSS specialist added that weather conditions, specifically in mountain passes, were forecast to deteriorate, with marginal VFR conditions, low ceilings, rain, and fog.
A road maintenance crew working on a highway near the accident site reported low clouds, fog, and reduced visibility in the area just before the accident. The crew elected to stop working due to safety concerns associated with the deteriorating weather conditions.
Witness Account
One witness reported that while sitting in his vehicle, waiting for weather conditions to improve, he heard what sounded like a low-flying airplane headed toward him. He looked up and saw the accident airplane fly out of a cloud, headed north, and parallel to the east side of the valley. As the airplane continued, he heard it 'clip the side of the mountain.' After contacting the mountain, the wings rocked back-and-forth, and the airplane once again entered a cloudbank. He said that just after losing sight of the airplane for the second time, the engine speed increased significantly, followed by the sound of the airplane impacting terrain.
Postaccident Inspection
Postaccident inspection of the airplane disclosed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical anomalies.