Circumstances of the Flight
The noninstrument rated private pilot departed on a route that required crossing mountainous terrain. The pilot had been issued adverse condition warnings and urgent pilot reports indicating severe turbulence. The intended path necessitated a climb to a minimum of 9,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Forecast winds aloft were between 28 and 41 knots, and surface winds were predicted to be downslope at 25 knots gusting to 50 knots from channeled terrain.
Aircraft Performance and Environmental Conditions
The aircraft was a Cessna 172 equipped with a 180-horsepower engine. According to performance charts, the maximum climb rate available at 8,000 feet pressure altitude was 405 feet per minute. Ceilings on the west side of the mountains were reported as 8,500 feet.
Events Leading to the Accident
During the flight, the pilot radioed that he intended to attempt to climb through a hole in the cloud layer to get on top. The airplane was later located on the west side of a peak, at an elevation of 8,600 feet MSL, in deep snow. The discovery occurred approximately 40 hours after the departure time.
Post-Accident Observations
The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was masked by the terrain and the wreckage. Both occupants were lightly dressed and appeared to have survived the impact. The pilot was described by acquaintances as inexperienced and prone to taking chances with the airplane.