Incident Overview
A pilot and two nurses departed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to transport a patient from another location. During initial climb, the pilot observed a gear unsafe light and requested clearance to an area of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions to address the issue. The gear was subsequently manually extended with safe gear indications.
Return Flight and Communication
The flight department requested that the pilot return to base. The pilot obtained an IFR clearance to return for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. After handoff to the tower, he was requested to report the final approach fix inbound after an eastbound procedure turn. This was the last communication from the pilot.
Accident Details
The aircraft crashed on the southeast side of Humphreys Peak at an elevation of about 10,500 feet and about 10 miles west of the final approach course. Wreckage was scattered along a heading of 230 degrees. Evidence indicated the airplane was in a steep descent when it crashed.
Radar and Weather Conditions
Radar data revealed an outbound track west of the published course and no procedure turn. The weather was Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) with light snow and rain. Moderate to severe turbulence was forecast and confirmed by other pilots. Winds at 10,000 feet were forecast to be 50 knots out of the southwest. Moderate turbulence and light rime ice had been reported along the ILS approach course before the accident time.