Overview
The accident occurred during night visual meteorological conditions while the airplane was maneuvering. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with mountainous terrain. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a weather briefing that reported thunderstorms and moderate to severe precipitation along the intended route of flight. During the flight, the pilot communicated with air traffic control on several occasions, mentioning thoughts of diverting, but continued along the route until weather conditions worsened, prompting a decision to divert.
Approach and Missed Approach
The pilot diverted to an alternate airport and attempted a non-precision approach. While setting up for the approach, the pilot failed to activate the runway lights, which were pilot-controlled via the UNICOM frequency. A witness observed the airplane overfly the runway and noted that the runway lights were not illuminated. Unable to establish visual contact with the runway, the pilot executed a missed approach. However, the published missed approach procedure was not followed, and the airplane subsequently impacted mountainous terrain.
Accident Site and Conditions
The accident site was located at an elevation of approximately 8,350 feet, on terrain covered with rock and sagebrush, about 4 miles west of the runway threshold. At the time of the accident, the weather conditions at the airport included visibility of 10 statute miles, rain, scattered clouds at 3,300 feet, and a density altitude of roughly 9,500 feet. Rescue personnel reported that the pilot stated he was "flying last night in bad weather, it was a stupid thing to do and he should not have been flying."
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated about 20 hours of flight time in the accident airplane make and model, 11 hours of night flying, and no experience flying in actual instrument meteorological conditions as a single pilot.
Aircraft Examination
No anomalies were identified with the airframe or engine following the accident.