Incident Overview
The aircraft impacted terrain during a high-speed, wings-level descent at night. The accident occurred after the flight encountered weather and icing conditions at a flight level of 13,000 feet.
Pilot Communications
According to Salt Lake Center, the pilot maintained contact until approximately five minutes before radar contact was lost. During communications, the pilot reported that he was 'in the clouds and light ice.' Earlier, he had described St. Elmo's fire to the center. His final transmission was a request for his ground speed as noted by radar; Salt Lake ARTCC recorded it as 120 knots. The pilot gave no other indication of trouble.
On-Site Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that flight control continuity prior to impact could not be established. Cockpit switches and control positions were destroyed. The engine was disassembled, and no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction was found.