What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft through a mountain pass when the plane struck rising terrain, resulting in a fatal impact and destruction by fire. The flight had experienced delays of several hours due to low cloud ceilings. At the time of the accident, the ceiling consisted of broken layers with overcast above 1,000 feet mean sea level (msl).
Two other pilots in the vicinity—one from the same company who had flown a parallel route immediately preceding the accident, and another pilot in the area—both indicated they did not believe the mountain pass was open for flight. The aircraft impacted the terrain at 2,600 feet msl while maintaining a level attitude with its wings parallel to the slope. Due to the presence of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, the wreckage was not located until two days after the event.
The investigation
The investigation found no abnormalities regarding the engine or the aircraft's mechanical systems.