Background
Five aircraft were on a return trip from Los Angeles, California, to Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. The flight crews obtained weather information during stops at Crescent City, California, and Newport, Oregon. After landing at Everett, Washington, one flight crew filed a flight plan for all five aircraft. At that time, he was asked if he wanted a weather briefing, but he indicated that they had already received a briefing for the route. The pilots also reportedly obtained weather information from a computer in the lobby of a fixed-base operator (FBO) at Everett.
Flight Sequence
After departing Everett on a night flight to Abbotsford, the flights encountered deteriorating weather with snow and clouds. The flight crews of two aircraft reversed course and landed at an alternate airport. The crew of a third aircraft diverted, went over water, and then continued en route. However, the two remaining aircraft, C-GIXI and C-GJNM, collided with mountainous terrain about 3 miles apart.
Collision Details
C-GIXI impacted on rough, rocky terrain at an elevation of about 1,200 feet. About 8 miles northwest, at Bellingham, Washington (elevation 158 feet), the 1950 weather observation was in part: 2,100 feet broken, 10 miles visibility with rain, wind from 240 degrees at 6 knots.
Aftermath
The wreckage was found the next day covered with snow.