On December 14, 1995, a Cessna 340A (registration N5GM) was involved in an aviation accident near Mead, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance in mountainous terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were: dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and instrument meteorological conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot diverted to pick up a passenger, departed in dark night, and impacted a mountain in level flight about 25 miles from departure. ATC vectored another aircraft to the area after losing contact.
Background
The pilot's departure plans changed when, instead of flying direct to his originally planned destination, he was asked to pick up a passenger at another airport prior to returning home.
Flight
He departed for his alternative destination in dark night conditions. After takeoff, he leveled off at his cruise altitude.
Accident
The aircraft impacted the side of a mountain in level flight approximately 25 miles from his departure point.
Aftermath
Air Traffic Control vectored another aircraft to the vicinity after communications and radar contact were lost with the accident aircraft. The crew of that aircraft reported that instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time in the vicinity of the crash site.