Flight Details
The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules flight from Culebra, Puerto Rico to San Juan, Puerto Rico. No flight plan was filed and a weather briefing was not obtained. The pilot contacted San Juan Radar Approach Control while 10 miles east of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The controller reported radar contact 3 miles east of Fajardo airport and instructed the pilot to enter a right downwind for runway 10 south of plaza Carolina. The pilot acknowledged and reported an altitude of 1,600 feet. Two minutes later, the controller announced that radar contact was lost.
Accident Location and Recovery
The airplane was located by ground personnel on the side of El Yunque Mountain. A police helicopter pilot who attempted to reach the crash site reported instrument flight conditions.
Weather Conditions
Review of weather data revealed a weak cold front extended over Puerto Rico. Satellite imagery at the time of the accident indicated a band of low clouds obscuring the accident site.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assemblies and accessories revealed no anomalies.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states: The pilot continued visual flight flight into instrument flight conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Low clouds were a factor.