Flight Details
Radar tracking identified the aircraft after it departed from an airport in Idaho, heading toward an airport in Oregon. The flight path continued in a southwesterly direction toward the destination.
Weather Briefings
The pilot received two in-flight weather briefings, during which advisories were given for mountain obscuration and turbulence along the route. The last briefing occurred approximately 10 minutes before the accident.
Accident Sequence
Radar data showed the aircraft at an altitude of about 8,800 feet, traveling toward a 9,495-foot mountain, with which it subsequently collided. Dark night conditions prevailed for the VFR flight. The wreckage was found at approximately the 8,700-foot level on steep mountainous terrain. On-site documentation indicated the initial point of impact was on a rock face about 100 feet above the main wreckage. The propeller assembly was located between the rock face and the main wreckage, which had slid down to its final resting point.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed severe aft compression crushing along the entire length of the leading edges of both wings. The nose and cockpit were severely compromised. The propeller displayed severe leading edge gouges and chordwise scratching.