What happened
A pilot-rated pilot was conducting a VFR cross-country business flight to transport cargo and personnel for a hunting and fishing company. The flight was part of a multi-segment route involving two aircraft. On board the Cessna (type not specified in source) were the pilot, a pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat, and a second passenger in the rear seat.
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained an FAA weather briefing that included AIRMETs for mountain obscuration and IFR conditions due to low ceilings and visibility caused by smoke, light rain, and mist. At takeoff, the pilot reported visibility between 1 and 3 miles in smoke, haze, and fog, though conditions were considered VFR. The passenger noted that at takeoff, visibility was approximately 1 mile.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, while flying over mountainous terrain near a canyon, visibility decreased due to fog. The passenger reported that the aircraft's throw-over control yoke was initially positioned in front of the right seat. When a mountain ridge suddenly appeared, the pilot moved the yoke to the left seat, banked the aircraft to the left, and increased engine power. Shortly after, the aircraft struck several trees and crashed. The aircraft came to rest upright at approximately 1,400 feet MSL with extensive fuselage damage, including one wing being torn from the airframe. A post-crash fire destroyed the wreckage.
Findings
The flight was operating in conditions where visibility was decreasing due to fog. The destination airport for this segment of the flight had reported few clouds at 100 feet and visibilities as low as 2.5 miles.