Incident Overview
Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing that included information about mountain obscurement, rain showers, and thunderstorm activity along the intended flight path. The pilot had filed a route from Boise, Idaho, to McCall, Idaho, then to Thompson Falls, Montana, and finally to Kalispell, Montana.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The accident site was located approximately 45 miles east of the direct line of the filed flight path in mountainous terrain. The wreckage was confined to a deep crater, with the nose of the airplane at the deepest point of the crater. Investigators estimated that the airplane collided with the terrain in an approximate 70-degree nose-down attitude.
Flight Path and Radar Data
Radar data indicated that the flight was maneuvering on various headings before the aircraft dropped from radar contact. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the briefing, the pilot was informed of adverse weather conditions including mountain obscurement, rain showers, and thunderstorm activity in the area of the flight path.