Flight Departure and Initial Instructions
During cruise flight, the airplane collided with rising terrain while operating under visual flight rules (VFR). Prior to departure, clearance delivery issued a Class B VFR departure, instructing the pilot to fly a heading of 270 degrees, climb to 4,000 feet mean sea level (msl), and transmit a transponder code of 4205. The ground controller questioned the pilot about the weather to the west, noting that the visibility was no more than 4 to 5 miles from the tower perspective. The pilot acknowledged the query.
ATC Communications and Handoff
After departure, the airplane was handed off to the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON). The controller identified the airplane and asked the pilot to confirm the heading and desired course. The pilot replied that the heading was 270 and that they were "going up V105." A climb to 5,500 feet msl was issued, and the pilot acknowledged. Airway V105 is located about 8 nautical miles south of the accident site. The airplane subsequently exited Class B airspace to the west.
The TRACON controller then instructed the pilot to maintain appropriate VFR altitudes, resume own navigation, and contact the west arrival sector. The pilot acknowledged only the frequency change and continued the climb and heading for approximately 8 miles. The pilot never contacted the west arrival sector. The west arrival controller accepted the automated handoff.
Radar Monitoring and Terrain Proximity
About 10 minutes later, the west arrival controller noticed a loss of radar contact with the VFR airplane. The controller had the opportunity and ability to notice that the airplane was approaching high terrain and could have issued a warning. Radar coverage of the airplane was maintained throughout the sector until impact, and Mode C altitude returns were continuously received. The airplane was dramatically below the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) when it entered the 9,200-foot MVA area at about 5,800 feet; however, the controller took no note of this. According to FAA Order 7110.65, Part 2-1-6 (Safety Alert), the controller should issue a safety alert to an aircraft if aware that the aircraft is in a position or altitude that, in the controller's judgment, places it in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. The controller made one radio call to the pilot in the blind.
Accident Location
The last radar contact occurred at about 7,300 feet msl. The airplane subsequently impacted a vertical rock face in mountainous terrain at an elevation of 7,450 feet.