Background
On April 8, 1994, pilots were briefed about forecast frontal activity, gusty winds, and turbulence below 15,000 feet along the intended route. The following day, April 9, 1994, an instrument student and a certified flight instructor (CFII) conducted a flight.
Flight Sequence
During the flight on April 9, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions at 8,000 feet. The instrument student reported being unable to maintain altitude due to downdrafts. The CFII then took control but also could not gain or maintain altitude. The instructor informed air traffic control (ATC) of the situation and was cleared to descend to 7,000 feet. Shortly after, he reported that the aircraft was descending through 6,300 feet in a downdraft. ATC issued a low altitude alert and requested that the flight maintain 7,000 feet. The CFII replied that he was attempting to do so and requested a radar vector. ATC warned that the aircraft was below minimum vectoring altitude and directed the crew to climb as soon as possible. Despite these efforts, the descent could not be stopped, and the aircraft collided with a mountainside at the 4,800-foot level.
Witness Account
Personnel in a nearby cabin reported that they were enveloped in a fast-moving cloud bank with high winds at the time of the accident.
Aftermath
No preimpact mechanical failure was found during the investigation. The aircraft sustained damage from the impact and subsequent ground fire.