On September 20, 1993, a Cessna 180B (registration N985DB) was involved in an aviation accident near Mullan, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR IN FLIGHT DECISION, AND HIS INADVERTENT CONTINUATION OF A VFR FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS INCLUDE LOW CEILINGS, SNOW, FOG, RAIN, AND MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying VFR under low ceilings through mountainous terrain inadvertently entered clouds near Lookout Pass, then climbed and struck a ridge 900 feet higher than the pass.
Background
The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight through a mountainous region. Navigation was being accomplished by following a freeway. The weather conditions included low cloud ceilings.
Flight Through Lookout Pass
The aircraft traversed Lookout Pass at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). While in the pass, the flight encountered an area of fog, snow, and rain. As a result, the aircraft inadvertently entered clouds.
Climb and Impact
After entering clouds, the pilot initiated a climb in a northerly direction. The climb was sustained until the aircraft struck a ridgeline. The impact point was at an elevation about 900 feet higher than the pass.