Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper in flight planning/decision, and his inadvertent VFR flight into IMC weather conditions. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience with this type operation, and the mountainous terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the pilot approached a pass, he found it closed by low clouds. He turned to reverse direction, then started a climb through a hole in the clouds. He stated that the hole suddenly closed and he was in the clouds. He again turned to attempt to return to VFR conditions. Suddenly he saw a mountain to his front and then impacted before he could turn away.
Source record
Factual narrative
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