Accident Overview
On the afternoon of the accident, a commercial/IFR rated pilot agreed to ferry an aircraft for another pilot who was not IFR rated and had been forced to land at Kadoka the previous evening due to low fuel and approaching darkness. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed throughout the area.
Flight History
The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing or file a flight plan before departure. After takeoff, he contacted Ellsworth Air Force Base approach control at 1535 Mountain Standard Time (MST). He subsequently reported level at 6,000 feet MSL and stated that the top of the overcast was at 5,000 feet. When advised that both Rapid City and Ellsworth AFB were below approach minimums, he elected to divert to Spearfish, South Dakota. Radio and radar contact were lost at 1606 MST.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was found the following afternoon at 1415 MST. The aircraft had collided with trees on a 4,800-foot high mountain at approximately the 4,650-foot level. Evidence indicated the aircraft impacted in a wings-level, slightly nose-low attitude at cruise airspeed. The cockpit was destroyed by impact and a ground fire. Medical and toxicological checks revealed no evidence of pilot incapacitation. The elevator trim was found set in a slightly nose-down position.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not state a probable cause. No contributing factors were identified in the source material. The aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, and damage items beyond those noted were not specified.