Incident Overview
A Cessna aircraft, registration N7514N, crashed in mountainous terrain approximately 19 miles south-southeast of Elko Airport. The accident occurred while the pilot was executing an instrument approach in conditions where mountains were obscured by clouds.
Sequence of Events
The Elko DME, used for the LDA/DME approach on frequency 108.5 MHz, was inoperative. During the DRG arrival, the pilot expressed mistrust of his DME. Approximately 24 miles south-southeast of the Bullion (BQU) VOR, an Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) controller cleared N7514N for "the approach to the Elko Airport." Seconds later, the pilot reported being in a downdraft, stated that he did not have DME to the Elko VOR, and asked if he was clear of the Ruby Mountains. The controller advised that the aircraft was still 24 miles south, which would have placed it over the mountains.
About 90 seconds later, the controller advised the pilot that the DME was out of service and cleared N7514N for the VOR-A approach. The pilot acknowledged. At that time, the aircraft turned south without clearance and then continued turning back north. The controller attempted to contact the pilot about the deviation but found that the pilot had changed to the Flight Service Station (FSS) frequency without authorization.
Final Moments
The ARTCC controller observed the aircraft descending over mountainous terrain and contacted the FSS, learning the pilot was on the FSS frequency. The controller relayed an advisory of the aircraft's position to the FSS, but did not provide specific instructions for an immediate climb. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the mountains at an elevation of 10,200 feet, approximately 19 miles south-southeast of the airport.
Pilot Information
The pilot had received an instrument rating on March 13, 1985.