Flight and Weather Advisories
A non-instrument rated commercial pilot was conducting a cross-country flight over mountainous terrain. During a pre-flight weather briefing and two subsequent in-flight weather updates, flight service station weather briefers advised the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended along the intended route. The flight was receiving VFR flight following services, and air traffic controllers twice warned the pilot of deteriorating weather conditions ahead. The pilot responded that, if necessary, he would turn around.
Loss of Contact and Witness Observations
Radar and radio contact with the aircraft were subsequently lost, attributed to the mountainous terrain. Two witnesses located at different points along the intended route observed the airplane flying southbound at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The first witness, approximately 16 miles north of the accident site, reported a ceiling of about 500 feet and light snow and sleet. The second witness, about 4 miles north of the site, stated that "it was snowing hard and there was little visibility."
Weather Conditions at Accident Site
According to local law enforcement personnel, weather conditions in the vicinity of the accident site were "extreme," with visibility "less than 500 feet with heavy snow."
Accident Site Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted the ground in a right-wing-low attitude, heading northbound. This orientation suggests that the pilot may have been executing a 180-degree turn in an attempt to exit the weather conditions when the impact occurred.
Engine and Propeller Inspection
Inspection of the engine did not reveal any abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated horsepower. Damage to the propeller was consistent with the engine producing power at impact.