Accident Overview
An aircraft operating a night VFR instrument instruction flight collided with a vertical rock face in mountainous terrain approximately 31 miles west of its point of departure. The accident occurred 32 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-impact fire, with only the outer wing panels and empennage remaining intact. A mountain rescue team reported that the on-site condition of the wreckage indicated the collision occurred with the aircraft in level cruise flight.
Flight History
Radar track data shows that after departure, the aircraft proceeded northwest for 14 minutes, then reversed course and flew for 4 minutes, after which it headed due west into mountainous terrain. The crash site elevation was 3700 feet. The aircraft was not equipped with DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), and an instrument training hood was found on board.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports for the area indicated cloud bases between 3000 and 4000 feet above sea level, with visibility of 8 miles. Scattered rain showers and haze were present in the area.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by the mountain rescue team revealed that the aircraft struck a vertical rock face. The impact forces and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, leaving only the outer wing panels and empennage recognizable.