Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane collided with the slope of a mountain near Sula, Montana, during low-altitude cruise in poor weather conditions. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.
Circumstances
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at low altitude through a mountain pass. The area was experiencing adverse weather, including low ceiling, fog, and snow. The pilot was continuing flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into these conditions.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a collision with trees during normal cruise after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.
Contributing Factors
Contributing factors identified in the report include low ceiling, fog, snow, and witness accounts of low-altitude flight through a pass in mountainous terrain.