What happened
The aircraft was operating on a cross-country flight through a rugged, mountainous region when it collided with the side of a snow-covered mountain. The impact took place at an elevation of approximately 8200 feet within Prince Royal Canyon. This canyon features a slope that rises toward the south and ends at an altitude of roughly 8900 feet.
At the moment of the crash, the aircraft was traveling on an easterly heading while maintaining a slight left bank. According to an NTSB meteorological summary, cloud bases in the area were situated near the 7000-foot level, indicating that low visibility and mountainous terrain were significant factors in the accident environment.
The investigation
Investigators examined the site of the impact and reviewed meteorological data for the region. The analysis focused on the environmental conditions present during the flight, specifically noting the altitude of the cloud cover relative to the terrain elevation.