Incident Overview
During an IFR localizer approach, the pilot of an airplane encountered severe turbulence and subsequently lost control of the aircraft. The airplane impacted trees and mountainous terrain. The pilot was diverting from another airport due to weather and turbulence.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he was established on the localizer approach at 4,000 feet MSL when he felt a jolt and heard a loud noise. He attributed the jolt to severe turbulence. While he looked into the cabin area to see what had fallen, the airplane entered an unusual attitude, descending at a steep bank angle and high airspeed. He leveled the wings, reduced power, and raised the nose to stop the descent. The pilot reported that he was attempting to reestablish the flight on the localizer when he saw trees directly in front of him. He raised the nose and impacted the trees.
Weather Conditions
A deep low-pressure system with an occluded front off the Pacific coast produced an extensive area of clouds and precipitation. Conditions at the destination airport and the alternate airport where the pilot diverted after a missed approach attempt were IFR to MVFR. The alternate airport reported an overcast ceiling of 2,800 feet AGL with light and continuous rain. Prior to the accident, a turbulence report of light chop had been issued, but no forecasts for turbulence were available. Shortly after the accident, an AIRMET was issued advising occasional moderate turbulence below 12,000 feet over the accident area.
Aftermath
The aircraft impacted trees and mountainous terrain following the loss of control. No further details are available from the source.