Accident Overview
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated, operated a cross-country business flight over mountainous terrain at night. The pilot received an accurate weather briefing before departure. During the flight, weather conditions worsened as forecast, and the pilot was informed of the deteriorating conditions.
Weather and Flight Conditions
The pilot reported to air traffic control that he was entering obscuration and subsequently lost ground contact. Weather reports near the accident site indicated the presence of clouds, snow, and gusting winds at the altitude the airplane was flying. The conditions matched the forecast.
Sequence of Events
ATC provided vectors to the pilot. However, the pilot gradually descended and veered toward rising terrain. The pilot stated that the airplane then encountered a strong downdraft, and he could not climb faster than the rising terrain. The airplane impacted a tree near the 7,200-foot level of a mountain.
Injuries and Rescue
The pilot was seriously injured and was rescued 22 hours after the accident. The passenger was fatally injured.
Mechanical Findings
No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were reported.