Background
On the morning of the accident, the instrument-rated pilot contacted an automated flight service station (AFSS) for a weather briefing. The briefer informed the pilot of thunderstorms and rain showers extending to his destination. Following the briefing, the pilot stated, "let me figure out which way is the best way to go and then maybe ill call back and file." No further calls from the pilot were received by any AFSS.
Witness Account
A witness, a certified flight instructor living near the mountainous accident site, observed a white T-tail airplane flying at an approximate altitude of 2,600 to 3,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The aircraft was heading in a north-northeast direction and flying level. The witness reported that the airplane was flying about 300 feet above the base of the lowest cloud layer, in and out of the clouds.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held an instrument rating and had accumulated over 3,000 hours of total flight time. The pilot did not file an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Accident and Investigation
The airplane was reported missing by family members the following morning and was located by the Civil Air Patrol the next day. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. The investigation noted that the pilot continued his flight into adverse weather, with a low cloud ceiling, while crossing mountainous terrain.