Incident Overview
A pilot and passenger departed a remote airstrip on a commuter flight under marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. During the flight, the pilot reported crossing low hills at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) when the aircraft encountered turbulence and a possible loss of engine power. According to the pilot, the engine did not run rough, but the airplane continued to descend until it struck terrain.
Impact and Rescue
The airplane hit a snow-covered hill about 15 miles west of the destination airport. The impact caused damage to the landing gear, fuselage, and wings. The pilot and passenger were rescued approximately four hours after the accident.
Passenger Observations
The passenger reported that for the majority of the flight, downward visibility was limited. Just before impact, the passenger described white-out conditions, with no terrain visible.
Weather and Operator Reporting
The destination airport reported weather conditions at the time of the accident, including a 1,300-foot overcast ceiling and visibility of 10 miles in light snow. The operator reported that no engine malfunction had been identified.