Synopsis
The accident occurred on October 7, 1988, when a pilot, after receiving a limited weather briefing that reported an overcast sky at 1,500 feet AGL at the destination, took off without filing a flight plan.
Flight History
Upon arriving at the destination, above the weather, the pilot requested and received an ILS approach to the airport. After passing the initial approach fix and descending to 2,200 feet MSL outside the outer marker, the pilot informed the air traffic controller that he was executing a missed approach. This was the last communication with the aircraft. Approximately one minute and thirty-five seconds later, the controller heard an ELT signal.
Wreckage Discovery
The aircraft's wreckage was found at 0700 hours PDT on October 7, 1988, by a ground search party. The wreckage was located at an elevation of 2,350 feet, on the side of a 3,560 foot high mountain, about 7 miles south of the ILS approach course.
Weather Conditions
Another pilot who was airborne in the area about 30 minutes after the accident pilot reported his missed approach stated that the cloud tops were at 2,400 feet.