What happened
Two pilots were conducting a ferry flight under the authority of a permit that restricted operations to day visual flight rules conditions and required a single pilot in command. Prior to departure, the crew requested and received weather information exclusively for the destination airport, which was reported as visual meteorological conditions. They did not obtain en route weather forecasts or updates.
While en route, the aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions over a mountainous region. Radar data indicated that upon entering the poor weather, the flight deviated from its assigned airway and appeared to follow mountain passes in an attempt to navigate through the terrain. Attempts to establish radio contact with the pilot shortly after he left his cleared route were unsuccessful.
The aircraft was located at an elevation of 10,600 feet on a mountain peak that stood at 11,413 feet. The crash site was situated approximately 30 miles south of the intended course. Weather reports from the area indicated instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to heavy icing reported shortly after the accident occurred.
Findings
The flight was operating under a ferry permit that mandated day VFR conditions and single-pilot operation, yet the crew proceeded into weather that violated these restrictions. The decision to deviate from the assigned airway into mountainous terrain while encountering moderate to heavy icing contributed significantly to the loss of control and subsequent impact with the mountain.
Safety message
Pilots operating under ferry permits must strictly adhere to the limitations of day VFR and single-pilot operations. Obtaining weather information solely for the destination is insufficient; en route weather conditions must be evaluated, and deviations into IMC or icing conditions are extremely hazardous without proper instrumentation and training.