Accident Sequence
While en route on a cross-country flight, the pilot observed worsening weather conditions. He contacted a Flight Service Station (FSS) and requested a change from VFR to IFR clearance. However, because he could not climb to the IFR minimum en route altitude (MEA) due to visual conditions and crossing traffic, the request was denied. The pilot then informed the controller that he suspected "picking up tail plane ice" and intended to descend to improve visibility and plan an alternate route.
Later that day, the pilot's wife reported that he had not arrived, prompting the issuance of an ALNOT. After five days, the aircraft was located where it had impacted a mountain at 11,100 feet mean sea level, near the area of the last radio contact. Impact marks indicated the aircraft was in level flight at the time of the crash. The aircraft partially burned following the impact.
Investigation
At the time of the accident, weather in the area was reported as low clouds, with mountain tops obscured, rain, and snow. Due to weather conditions, investigators were unable to access the site until August 5, 1997. The accident occurred on April 23, 1997.