19990616047789A

(.4) After takeoff, the pilot flew towards the west and determined that a VFR departure in that area was not possible. He then headed towards the southeast paralleling the east side of the mountains. After turning around, he thought he observed a break in the clouds and attempted a VFR climb. The aircraft then entered the clouds. He continued to climb while in instrument conditions and shortly thereafter, the aircraft impacted upsloping, mountainous terrain at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The wings were sheared off during the impact sequence, the fuselage was crushed and broken into several sections, and the tail was bent 90 degrees to the left. Weather conditions near the accident were reported as overcast ceilings at 3,400 feet AGL. A pilot who was performing a GPS approach into the airport near the time of the accident reported the ceilings to be 600 feet overcast at the airport. (-23) Mr. Crouse and one (instrument rated pilot) passenger departed fremont co. airport under VFR flight rules at approximately 0815L for a flight to rifle, CO. Fremont co. airport is uncontrolled. Weather reported at pueblo (the nearest reporting station) was 3600 foot overcast and 10 sm visibility. Mr. Crouse stated he climbed to about 1000'AGL and started following the Arkansas river upstream looking for a break in the overcast. Finding none, he stated they turned back east and were following the river back southeast when they spotted an opportunity for a VFR climb. He then stated they inadvertently flew into the fog while in the climb, and as he kept the aircraft in a climb, he checked his GPS to locate his position. He stated then next thing he knew, they were sitting on the ground. He also stated that his passenger received the weather briefing and that the flight was strictly part 91. He said that although he has an instrument rating and was in the instrument certified aircraft, they filed VFR because he was not IFR current.