Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane struck a tree while the pilot was maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions after he had turned away from his destination due to deteriorating weather conditions during a VFR flight. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane after the collision and landed without further difficulty.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 30, 1995, about 1825 hours mountain daylight time, N6288P, a Piper PA-24-250, collided with a tree and was substantially damaged while maneuvering over Anaconda, Montana. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed Missoula, Montana, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot, the pilot's intended destination was Butte, Montana. During the flight, visibility decreased to IMC and the pilot began to maneuver the airplane in an attempt to find visual meteorological conditions. As the airplane was maneuvering in IMC, the airplane's left wing collided with a tree. The pilot radioed a MAYDAY and continued the flight to Butte. The airplane landed in Butte uneventfully. No mechanical malfunctions were reported. -