Accident Overview
An investigation into an aviation accident has determined that the pilot's failure to select a cruise altitude ensuring adequate terrain clearance resulted in a collision with terrain. The accident occurred during a flight conducted under special VFR clearance in darkness.
Flight Details
The pilot did not use the stored instrument flight plan and departed with a special VFR clearance. Radar services were utilized to follow the flight. After reaching visual meteorological conditions, the pilot proceeded toward the intended destination and climbed to 8,500 feet mean sea level (msl).
Terrain Clearance and Warning Services
Minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW) service was available but was not requested by the pilot. The aircraft's track remained nearly constant at a heading of 300 degrees with a ground speed of 160 knots. The last radar contact was recorded approximately 0.3 miles from the point where the aircraft flew into terrain at 8,500 feet msl while continuing on a northwesterly course.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred during dark nighttime conditions. No information is available regarding other weather factors or lighting conditions beyond darkness.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official findings cite the probable cause as the pilot's failure to select a cruise altitude which would ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors related to the dark, nighttime condition and to the pilot's lack of attentiveness.