Accident Sequence
The airplane was in cruise flight when it collided with mountainous terrain at the 10,500-foot level. The pilot had been receiving VFR flight advisories; subsequently, radar and radio contact were lost. According to a pilot flying in the area, at approximately 1416, nearby air traffic control tower personnel contacted him and requested that he investigate an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal in the area. The pilot was unable to locate the wreckage on his first attempt due to clouds but succeeded on a second try later in the afternoon.
Investigation Details
The accident site was located on a 45-degree, snow-covered slope. Recorded radar data for the last two minutes of the flight indicated that the airplane's Mode C altitudes varied between 10,000 feet and 10,300 feet. The terrain elevation in the area ranged from 6,750 feet to 10,500 feet MSL. The last recorded radar return was at 1416:44, with a Mode C reported altitude of 10,300 feet.
Weather Conditions
A pilot flying in the area noted low clouds with bases between 8,500 and 9,000 feet MSL in the area of the strongest ELT signal reception. No rain or snow showers were observed. Mountain tops were obscured, but good VFR conditions existed under the clouds. Weather analysis indicated that the pilot was likely in visual meteorological conditions until just prior to the accident. An overcast cloud band was present on the windward side of a mountain range at the accident time, with terrain mostly obscured above 8,500–9,000 feet MSL. Cloud tops were approximately 13,000 feet MSL. Scattered light snow showers were likely in the accident area.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane and both engines revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.