Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot attempted VFR flight into IMC weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were the mountainous/hilly terrain, and the low ceiling weather condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane collided with the up slope side of a mountain, at the 500 foot level, and came to rest on the opposite side of the 1,000 foot high mountain. The pilot reported that while at cruise flight the engine sputtered, so he landed on the mountainside. No problems were found with the engine. Marginal VFR and IFR weather conditions were forecast for the area. To the immediate left of the crash site were miles of open sea level terrain.
Source record
Factual narrative
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