Background
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed from his point of origin. The area forecast for his destination indicated the possibility of marginal VFR and locally IFR conditions due to fog, snow showers, and low clouds. He did not make use of FAA weather updating services while en route.
Flight and Weather
When the pilot arrived in the area near his destination, it was already dark. The weather at the airport had deteriorated to one-half mile visibility, freezing fog, moderate snow, and a ceiling of 800 feet broken. The surrounding terrain was mountainous or hilly.
Maneuvering and Collision
As the pilot maneuvered toward the airport through the mountainous/hilly terrain, he inadvertently entered IFR conditions. He then reversed course in order to return to VFR conditions. During his attempt to maneuver through the area of a mountain pass, the aircraft collided with trees on a steep, snow-covered slope.