Synopsis
A ferry flight operating under a permit that allowed day VFR conditions and a single pilot instead carried two pilots. The flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions over a mountain range, deviated from its assigned airway, and impacted mountainous terrain. The accident site was found at an elevation of 10,600 feet on an 11,413-foot mountain, 30 miles south of the intended course.
Flight Timeline
The pilots requested and received weather information only for the destination airport, which was reported as VMC. The flight proceeded, but en route it encountered IMC over a mountain range. Radar returns indicated that as the weather conditions were encountered, the flight deviated from the assigned airway and began following mountain passes. Shortly after the deviation, air traffic control attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful.
Location and Terrain
The aircraft was discovered at the 10,600-foot elevation of an 11,413-foot mountain, approximately 30 miles south of the planned route. The terrain in the area is mountainous.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident and shortly thereafter, weather in the area was IMC with moderate to heavy icing reported. The flight had not obtained any en route weather briefing, only the destination airport conditions.