What happened
The pilot was performing the final leg of a cross-country flight that had begun earlier in the day. While flying approximately 44 miles west of Boise, Idaho, the pilot received an in-flight weather update regarding the intended route. The weather specialist advised the pilot of several hazards, including thunderstorms, icing, and mountain obscuration. Due to the presence of higher terrain, the specialist informed the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended.
In response to the update, the pilot stated he could see the convective activity ahead. However, the aircraft failed to arrive at its planned destination, prompting authorities to issue an Alert Notice (ALNOT) for the missing airplane. The wreckage of the aircraft was subsequently located in mountainous terrain, approximately 40 miles southeast of the pilot's intended destination.
Findings
Reports indicated that widespread areas of instrument meteorological conditions were present along the flight path during the period in question.