Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while performing a local sightseeing flight under visual meteorological conditions, the airplane inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions. During subsequent maneuvering, the pilot lost visual reference with the ground. The airplane then entered a steep descending turn and collided with trees.
Damage and Post-Impact Condition
Upon impact with the trees, both wings separated from the airframe, and the fuselage was crushed. The pilot noted no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at an airport approximately 17 nautical miles from the accident site included overcast cloud cover at 1,100 feet above ground level. The elevation of the accident site was about 1,700 feet mean sea level.