Accident Details
The aircraft collided with mountainous terrain at approximately 3,000 feet msl while descending from 4,500 feet toward the destination airport on a dark night. The pilot had been in contact with air traffic control (ATC) and indicated an intention to land at Reed Hillview airport.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports showed consistent overcast cloud bases of 2,800 feet in the immediate area of the accident site. Weather in the area was deteriorating at the time.
Communication with ATC
A review of the ATC tape revealed that the pilot did not clearly state his intentions when speaking with air traffic control. ATC had to ask him several times what he said and told him that they did not understand him. Interviews with ATC controllers indicated that they were unsure exactly what the pilot's intentions other than to land at Reed Hillview airport. At one point, ATC asked the pilot if he was going to find a hole and descend; the pilot stated affirmative.
Search Efforts
When radio and radar contact was lost, the controller asked a police helicopter flying near the last observed position to search for the airplane that had disappeared off the radar. The helicopter pilot told the controller that he was unable to proceed to the location due to clouds obscuring the ridges. The pilot of the accident aircraft stated he could hear a helicopter above him but could not see it because of poor visibility.