The Accident
The pilot was flying through a mountain pass when the airplane collided with rising terrain and was destroyed by fire. The impact occurred at an elevation of 2,600 feet mean sea level (msl), and the airplane was in a level attitude with the wings parallel to the slope at the time of impact.
Circumstances
The flight had been delayed several hours due to low ceilings. According to a company pilot who immediately preceded the accident flight along a parallel route, and another pilot in the area, they did not believe the pass where the accident occurred was open. The ceiling at the time was broken with overcast layers above 1,000 feet msl.
Investigation
No abnormalities were discovered with the airplane or engine during the post-accident examination. Due to rain, snow and freezing temperatures, the wreckage was located two days after the accident.