Aircraft Collides with Terrain During Turn in Mountain Pass

Accident Narrative

The accident airplane was the second of two airplanes traveling as a flight of two to a remote wilderness lodge in an area of mountainous terrain. As the flight entered a mountain pass, the two airplanes became separated due to heavy snow showers. The accident pilot stated that visibility deteriorated to a point where it was difficult to discern topographical features while in the pass, leading him to elect to turn around. During a descending left turn, the airplane collided with an area of snow-covered up-sloping terrain. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Aircraft and Equipment

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The airplane had recently been equipped with a 406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), which aided rescue crews in finding the accident site quickly.