Background
The pilot purchased the aircraft in Rexburg, Idaho, on the same day as the accident. According to the previous owner, who flew with the pilot before departure, the aircraft had flown well. The previous owner also noted that the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) was not functioning at the time of purchase and when the aircraft left Rexburg.
Flight
The pilot departed Rexburg on a flight to Poteau, Oklahoma, with an en route stop in Hutchinson, Kansas. In Hutchinson, the aircraft was refueled but no maintenance was performed. The pilot then took off on the final leg to Poteau at 1905 Central Standard Time.
Accident
During arrival, the pilot was instructed to maintain 4,500 ft until crossing the Rich Mountain VOR, then was cleared for the VOR/DME Runway 36 approach. While executing the approach, the aircraft collided with rising terrain at an elevation of about 2,550 ft, approximately 2 nautical miles north of the VOR. The minimum step-down altitude for the approach was 4,000 ft until 8 nautical miles north of the VOR, then 2,400 ft until crossing the final approach fix, 15 nautical miles north of the VOR.
Investigation
No preimpact malfunction was found except for the inoperative DME.