What happened
The aircraft departed from Walla Walla Airport to conduct a navigational training mission. While operating under instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the plane collided with the slope of Mt Table Rock. The impact site was located approximately 27 kilometers east of the departure airport. Due to heavy snow cover, the wreckage remained undiscovered for two days before being located. All 10 occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the crash resulted from a controlled flight into terrain. Investigators noted that a tailwind of 30 mph may have contributed to the incident by causing a miscalculation of the aircraft's flight track.