What happened
The aircraft was operating en route to Portland under instrument flight rules (IFR) when it collided with rising terrain at an elevation of approximately 1860 feet. Witnesses reported that the pilot had been cleared to fly either "VFR on top" or maintain an altitude of 3000 feet or higher. However, the aircraft was off course for its intended destination at the time of impact.
The collision occurred on an upslope obscured by clouds. Local residents heard the sound of the aircraft followed by a subsequent explosion. The wreckage was subjected to a fire lasting approximately 24 hours, along with post-impact explosions that caused molten metal to blast against nearby trees.
The investigation
Initial examination of the accident site revealed that the aircraft trim was set for "nose left." However, the integrity of the evidence was compromised because the area was not secured immediately. The site was vandalized before investigators could fully process it, with parts missing and suspected to have been stolen. Furthermore, state restrictions imposed due to the danger of forest fires delayed the official investigation from May until October.