Accident Overview
A VFR cross-country flight conducted at dusk collided with the 1,500-foot level of a hill. Radar data indicated the aircraft was in a descent from 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) until radar contact was lost at approximately 1,500 feet MSL, with a final recorded ground speed of 194 knots.
Flight Details
The pilot had chosen a route approximately 5 miles west of the route routinely flown by company pilots. While crossing higher terrain, this route provided a more direct track to the destination. A company pilot flying a few minutes ahead of the accident flight reported that it was necessary to descend to between 1,200 and 1,500 feet MSL to maintain VFR conditions.
Weather Conditions
A low-pressure system approaching from the west had brought low stratus clouds, rain, and fog. At the time of the accident, a nearby weather reporting facility reported a broken ceiling at 1,300 feet, with visibility of 5 to 6 miles in light rain and mist.
Pilot's Schedule
On the evening of the accident, the pilot was scheduled to deliver a speech as her final examination for an evening college course. She had informed the instructor that she might be late, but was told the class could not be held past its scheduled dismissal time to accommodate her late arrival.