Accident Sequence
After departing on a round-robin flight, the pilot contacted the local Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) and air-filed a VFR flight plan. The AFSS requested a pilot report about the weather conditions, and the pilot reported a smooth ride. About eleven miles north of the last radio contact point, the airplane collided with mountainous terrain in a nose-down attitude.
Weather Conditions
An AIRMET was in effect at the time, which stated: "Cook Inlet and Susitna Valley...occasional moderate turbulence below 9,000 feet with isolated severe within 5,000 feet above the ground, especially through channeled terrain. Continuing beyond 1200." Search aircraft that later participated in locating the accident site also encountered moderate to severe turbulence.
Postaccident Examination
The propeller received minor damage. The engine received extensive fire damage; however, a postaccident engine examination noted no engine malfunction.