During the flight the pilot encountered gradually deteriorating weather conditions, forcing him to reduce his cruising altitude from 5500 feet initially, to below 3500 feet. Cloud covered the tops of the adjacent ranges and there were showers and associated low cloud in the accident area. The aircraft struck the ground at 2140 feet amsl, while flying level, banked 20 degrees right, under control and on a heading 80 degrees to the right of the flight planned track. Shortly before the accident occurred the aircraft entered an extensive area of hill fog whilst being flown at low level and at cruising speed. The pilot was probably attempting to turn back when the aircraft collided with trees on higher ground than a valley he had just overflown.
