VFR Cross-Country Flight Ends in Mountain Collision (N197TT)

Flight Details and Occupants The accident involved an airline transport certificated pilot conducting a VFR cross-country business flight. The aircraft was one of two airplanes transporting supplies for a hunting and fishing company along a multi-segment route. The pilot was accompanied by a pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat and a second passenger seated behind the pilot. The flight was transporting cargo and personnel to a remote airport. ## Weather Conditions and Takeoff The pilot obtained a weather briefing from the FAA, which included AIRMETs for mountain obscuration and IFR conditions due to low ceilings and visibility in smoke, light rain, and mist. The pilot reported that visibility at takeoff was 1 to 3 miles in smoke, haze, and fog, though conditions remained VFR. He recalled hazy conditions with visible rolling hills and river cuts. A terminal forecast for the departure airport indicated few clouds at 500 feet and visibilities as low as 3 miles in smoke and mist. The destination airport for the flight segment had few clouds at 100 feet and visibilities as low as 2 1/2 miles. ## Accident Sequence The pilot-rated passenger was initially flying the aircraft. Upon entering lowering visibility, the pilot reassumed control and attempted a 180-degree turn to clear the low visibility area. The rear seat passenger reported that the aircraft was flying about 500 to 1,000 feet above the ground due to smoke and fog, with visibility at takeoff estimated at about 1 mile. About 30 minutes after departure, the aircraft was flying over mountainous terrain and appeared to be following a canyon. The passenger stated that visibility decreased due to fog. The aircraft's throw-over control yoke was initially positioned in front of the right seat when a mountain ridge suddenly appeared in front of the aircraft. The pilot repositioned the control yoke in front of the left seat, banked the aircraft to the left, and added engine power. Within seconds, the passenger felt the aircraft collide with several trees and then descend to the ground. ## Crash and Aftermath The aircraft came to rest upright with extensive fuselage damage at approximately 1,400 feet MSL. One wing was torn off the airframe, and a postcrash fire consumed the wreckage.