What happened
On April 6, 2013, a Cessna 182C, registration N8721T, crashed 27 miles northwest of Circle, Montana. The flight departed from a ranch airstrip near Lustre, Montana, at approximately 10:30 MDT, bound for a private airstrip in Acton, Montana.
Prior to takeoff, the pilot informed his wife that while fog was present, visibility had increased to 5 miles and conditions were expected to improve. At 10:45 MDT, while flying near Wolf Point, the pilot made a mobile phone call to his wife, noting that fog was present "just over the river" but that it was clear on the other side. The connection was lost shortly thereafter.
After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, family members notified the FAA later that afternoon. The wreckage was located at approximately 18:30 MDT. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found damage and ground scars consistent with a high-energy vertical impact. The engine was embedded vertically into the soil up to the firewall. Examination of the engine and propeller did not reveal any abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation. All flight control cables remained secured at their attach points, though some had been cut by first responders.
Meteorological analysis showed that the area was under a stationary front with low clouds and restricted visibility. An AIRMET was in effect for the area, indicating instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with ceilings below 1,000 feet and visibility below 3 statute miles. The pilot did not hold an instrument rating and had a total of 93 flight hours.