What happened
A Piper PA-34 was operating under Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 regulations to transport bank checks via visual flight rules (VFR). The flight path extended from Tonopah toward Las Vegas, Nevada. During the transit, another pilot flying a Cessna 207 reported encountering instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude of 9,500 feet.
Prior to the incident, the Cessna pilot had established radio contact with the Piper pilot. At that time, the Piper pilot indicated an intention to maintain flight at 9,500 feet. Subsequently, the wreckage of the Piper was discovered in mountainous terrain approximately 30 miles west of Las Vegas. The crash site was located on the western slope of Mount Charleston.
The aircraft struck a slope with an incline of approximately 30 degrees while traveling on an easterly heading. No survivors were reported from the 1 fatal incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage distribution and the physical characteristics of the impact site. The location of the debris field confirmed the altitude at which the aircraft lost controlled flight. Analysis of the terrain interaction indicated that the aircraft was in level or slightly descending flight when it impacted the mountainside, consistent with the reported heading.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident included the operation of the aircraft in instrument conditions without appropriate instrumentation or training for such environments. The decision to maintain an altitude of 9,500 feet in mountainous terrain while under visual flight rules proved fatal when weather conditions deteriorated. The spatial disorientation likely resulted from the inability to visually reference the horizon.
Safety message
Pilots operating Part 135 flights must ensure they are equipped and qualified for the weather conditions expected along the route. Visual flight rules should not be relied upon in mountainous terrain when instrument conditions are possible or present.