Incident Overview
An aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and contacted snow-covered terrain approximately three minutes after taking off. According to the investigation, the last radar contact occurred at 2130 MST, with the aircraft having departed at about 2128 MST.
Weather and Briefing
Before departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing from the Kalispell, Montana, National Weather Service and updated briefings from the Missoula and Great Falls Flight Service Stations for a proposed night visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Ogden, Utah. The weather briefings indicated that VFR flight was not recommended. At Kalispell, the weather conditions were reported as sky partially obscured, measured ceiling 100 feet overcast, and visibility 2 miles with fog.
Communications
The pilot requested a special VFR clearance to Ogden. The controller asked if the pilot wanted "flight following all the way," to which the pilot responded affirmatively. However, the pilot was never issued a special VFR clearance.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot was not instrument rated.