Accident Overview
At 0053 MDT, the pilot of the aircraft contacted the Great Falls Flight Service Station (FSS) to request weather information. The pilot was advised of instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions and was provided the latest weather observation. Subsequently, the pilot requested and was granted a special VFR clearance to depart to the east. The aircraft took off at 0100 MDT and reported being over Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB), which lies outside controlled airspace, at 0106 MDT. No further radio transmissions were received from the aircraft.
Crash Site and Impact
The aircraft impacted rising terrain at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, about 8 feet below the edge of a plateau. The crash site was located approximately 400 feet above the valley floor. An examination of the wreckage indicated that the aircraft was in a slight left wing low, nose level attitude and was traveling at high speed at the time of impact. No evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Toxicological Findings
A toxicological test of the pilot's blood revealed an alcohol level of 0.083%.
Weather Conditions
At 0125 MDT, about 15 miles west at Malmstrom AFB (elevation 3,000 feet MSL), the weather was reported in part as: 900-foot broken ceiling, 2,000-foot overcast ceiling, 7 miles visibility with fog and light rain.