Departure and Weather Conditions
The flight departed from an airport situated at an elevation of 7,489 feet above mean sea level (MSL) without filing a flight plan. Departure weather was overcast, with surrounding mountain peaks obscured by clouds.
In-Flight Event
While attempting to climb through approximately 15,000 feet MSL while still in clouds, the airplane encountered turbulence and began losing altitude at a rate of about 2,500 feet per minute. The passenger reported that they emerged from the cloud bases at roughly 12,000 feet MSL. The pilot then attempted to land on a frozen lake at about 11,800 feet MSL.
Impact and Post-Crash
The airplane struck the ground at the edge of the lake and came to rest on the lake, sustaining extensive damage. The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) functioned properly, but weather conditions were unfavorable for an air rescue. Both occupants suffered minor injuries and spent the first night inside the aircraft. They were lightly dressed and had no survival equipment.
Attempted Escape and Outcome
The following day, the occupants attempted to walk out. During the day, the pilot lost a shoe and became increasingly disoriented. They decided that the passenger would go ahead and bring back rescuers. The passenger spent the second night under an overhang and located rescuers on the morning of the third day. When rescuers reached the pilot, he had expired from hypothermia. The passenger, who was also a pilot, stated there was no preimpact aircraft failure or malfunction.