Introduction
On the evening of the accident, a private pilot, who was not instrument rated, operated a flight that had originated with passengers to Savannah, Georgia. After a refueling stop at Knoxville, Tennessee, the pilot began the return leg without filing a flight plan and with no record of an en route weather briefing.
Flight Details
At 2236 Eastern Daylight Time, the pilot contacted Knoxville Tower and requested a VFR departure to Louisville with a heading of 330 degrees. The aircraft took off at 2249 and received departure vectors until being cleared on course. Radar service was terminated when the aircraft was 23 miles northwest of Knoxville.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Knoxville (elevation 930 feet) included an overcast ceiling at 3,700 feet, visibility of 5 miles with fog and rain. The local conditions reflected a dark night with clouds, low ceiling, fog, and rain.
Crash Description
Subsequently, the aircraft struck trees and impacted rising terrain near the top of a ridge, approximately 30 miles northwest of Knoxville. The impact occurred at about 3,000 feet mean sea level on a magnetic heading of 290 degrees. Mountain peaks in the vicinity reached up to 3,390 feet. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction. The official probable cause was determined to be an in-flight encounter with weather due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and continued flight into known adverse weather. Additionally, the pilot did not maintain proper altitude, leading to an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.