Accident Site
The aircraft involved in the accident was located in forested, mountainous terrain at an elevation of 10,710 feet above mean sea level. The airplane was the subject of an alert notification.
Time of Day
On the day of the accident, sunset was recorded at 1700, and the end of civil twilight was recorded at 1730.
Weather Conditions
Doppler weather radar depicted an area of light snow showers along the route of flight, near the wreckage location. Additionally, an AIRMET for mountain obscuration was issued for the route of flight.
Lunar Conditions
The moon rose at 0639 and set at 1516 on the day of the accident.
Pilot Experience
According to the pilot's flight records, he had logged 3 hours of night flight experience, with the most recent occurrence over a year prior to the accident.
Examination of Aircraft
An examination of the airframe, airplane's systems, and power plant revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal and correct operation prior to impact.