Departure and Discovery
The flight departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at approximately 0815 EDT on August 2, 1984, bound for Cincinnati, Ohio. The aircraft wreckage was discovered on November 17, 1984, on an upslope of Big Fodderstack Mountain. Evidence showed that the aircraft had contacted a 25-foot-tall tree located 200 feet west of the main wreckage.
Radio Contact
The only known radio contact was recalled by the Monroe County airport manager, who stated that the pilot radioed to exchange the day's greeting.
Weather Conditions
Exact weather at the accident site could not be determined. However, the airport manager recalled that the high terrain was obscured with poor visibility. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation listed two occurrences and associated findings:
- Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather during cruise-normal phase. Findings: (1) weather condition - low ceiling; (2) VFR flight into IMC - continued - pilot in command; (3) lack of total instrument time - pilot in command.
- Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with object during cruise-normal phase. Findings: (4) clearance - not maintained - pilot in command; (5) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly; (6) object - tree(s).