Accident Details
An aircraft collided with mountainous terrain following an encounter with instrument weather conditions. The pilot had obtained a preflight weather briefing in which VFR was not recommended due to low ceilings, rain showers, restricted visibilities, and icing along the projected route of flight. After the briefing, the pilot phoned an associate in Los Angeles and stated that he would try to fly south along Highway 95 to clear the mountains and that he had to stay below 5,000 feet MSL due to the freezing level.
Highway 95 runs south from Boulder City through the Eldorado Mountains. Searchlight is located in a mountain pass at the highest point along the highway. Witnesses located 1 mile away reported that the weather at the time consisted of rain showers and visibilities near zero in clouds.
The accident site is located about 1 mile northeast of Searchlight and 1/2 mile east of Highway 95. At an elevation of 4,200 feet MSL, the site is 138 feet below the top of the mountain.
Investigation
On-site examination by FAA inspectors revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical or system malfunction. The aircraft struck a rock outcropping in near-level flight.