Accident Details
The outboard portion of the right wing of a twin-engine airplane impacted a pine tree in mountainous terrain during a night cross-country flight. Approximately 12 minutes prior to the accident, while 49 miles short of their intermediate destination, the pilot reported picking up ice at 9,500 feet MSL and reported that he was diverting to El Paso. Air traffic control granted the frequency change to El Paso; however, no further radio calls were received.
Witness Accounts
At 2005, a witness near the accident site reported hearing the airplane flying at "tree top level over his house" on a southeast direction. He stated that a low ceiling prevailed, the temperature was just above freezing, and snow flurries restricted his visibility. Additionally, witnesses traveling on a gravel road adjacent to the accident site reported seeing the lights of the airplane flying at tree top level prior to the crash.
Wreckage and Systems Examination
The auxiliary fuel cell for the right engine was compromised by the initial collision with the pine tree, and the three remaining tanks were destroyed by post-impact fire. Both fuel selectors were found in the AUX position. No discrepancies were found that would have prevented normal operations. The pilot had accumulated 7.5 hours of flight within the last 12 hours.