Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot purchased the aircraft approximately one month prior to the accident. He had limited experience in the specific aircraft type and limited exposure to high-altitude flight and associated weather phenomena.
Weather Briefing
The pilot obtained two weather briefings for the flight. During both briefings, he was advised of forecast and pilot-reported conditions of moderate to severe mixed icing and turbulence associated with a mountain wave on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Flight Path
Instead of following his intended route along the western side of the mountains, the pilot chose a direct route that placed the aircraft on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada.
Accident Sequence
Radar data established the track of the aircraft. The data showed the aircraft in cruise at 16,500 feet until about one minute prior to the accident. The aircraft then climbed to 17,200 feet before disappearing from radar. The last radar target was observed about two miles from the impact location. The aircraft impacted terrain in a steep nose-down descent.