What happened
Prior to departing on the flight, the pilot, who was not instrument rated, received two separate weather briefings. During both briefings, the pilot was advised that Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight was not recommended due to forecasted conditions. AIRMETs were in effect for the route of flight, indicating potential IFR conditions, mountain obscuration, turbulence, and icing.
The aircraft density altitude was calculated at 13,248 feet. After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination as scheduled, an alert notice (ALNOT) was issued. On the morning of April 7, the aircraft was located in a snow chute area situated on a 35-degree slope on the east side of Chalk Peak, within the San Juan Mountains east of Durango. Due to high snow levels and dangerous avalanche conditions, immediate travel to the crash site was delayed.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine if any mechanical issues contributed to the accident. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical malfunction.