What happened
The pilot departed with three passengers and three dogs; however, the aircraft only contained two seats. The Cessna (type not specified in source) had been reconfigured under STC SA00352DE for parachute jumping operations, which stipulated the aircraft be used only for parachutist launching. During the flight, the pilot flew up a heavily forested mountain valley with a tailwind of 14 to 18 knots, which increased ground speed while reducing climb performance.
Due to insufficient altitude, the aircraft impacted tree-covered terrain covered in approximately 4 feet of snow at an elevation of 9,527 feet (10,200 feet density altitude). One occupant was trapped under debris for 4 to 5 hours and later died at a hospital. The total number of 1 fatal injury was recorded.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies. Investigators determined the airplane's center of gravity was calculated to be 2.33 inches aft of allowable limitations.