Incident Overview
A small aircraft on a dark night visual flight rules (VFR) flight encountered a severe downdraft and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Despite applying full power, the aircraft continued to descend, striking trees before impacting the ground. The wings and top of the aircraft were torn off, but both occupants survived.
Pilot Briefing and Weather Information
During the pilot's preflight and in-flight briefings, he was informed that flight precautions were in effect due to icing, turbulence, mountain obscurations, and IFR conditions. These warnings were present at the time of the flight.
Sequence of Events
In a post-accident statement, the pilot reported that he was descending from 8,000 feet MSL to land at Medford, Oregon for refueling when he encountered a strong downdraft. The descent continued until approximately 2,000 feet AGL at an airspeed of 50 mph. Given the low airspeed and turbulence, the pilot decided against attempting a 180-degree turn.
IMC conditions in the form of fog and snow were encountered. The pilot then turned from a heading of 310 degrees to 300 degrees and began a climb. At approximately 6,100 feet MSL, another downdraft was encountered, and the aircraft descended at about 60 mph until it struck trees at approximately 5,100 feet MSL.
Damage and Occupants
The collision tore off the wings and top of the aircraft. Despite the extensive damage, both occupants survived the accident.
Key Factors Noted
The flight took place at night under VFR, but the pilot encountered IMC (fog and snow). Severe downdrafts were a dominant weather phenomenon during the flight, leading to an uncontrolled descent.