Accident Overview
A pilot-in-command executed a VFR straight-in approach, following the NDB/DME approach course. During the approach, whiteout conditions were encountered over snow-covered, featureless terrain. The aircraft subsequently flew into sloping terrain approximately 600 feet below and in the vicinity of the final approach fix.
Pilot Actions and Awareness
The pilot reported losing forward visibility and stated that he was not referencing the approach plate at the time of the ground collision. Prior to the flight, the pilot had been advised that the AWOS weather observation for the destination called for IFR conditions, with VFR not recommended. Additionally, flight service had not recommended VFR flight.
Circumstances
The approach was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) despite the weather advisory. The collision occurred over terrain that offered no visual cues due to the whiteout, leading to an inadvertent descent into the sloping ground near the final approach fix.