Accident Details
The aircraft impacted the side of a mountain ridge at approximately 6,250 feet MSL while attempting a VFR approach to an airport with no instrument approach. The field elevation was 5,315 feet MSL, and the accident site was about 2.5 miles from the airport. The airport was situated in a mountain valley roughly 1 to 1.25 miles wide. Both pilots were killed in the crash.
Weather and Terrain
The mountain ridge was obscured by broken clouds at the time of the accident. The airport and surrounding terrain were covered with snow. The pilot had cancelled his IFR clearance and descended below the clouds near the airport, but some terrain remained obscured by clouds. The VFR approach required one mile visibility.
Pilot Actions
According to witness statements, the aircraft remained below the clouds, and the pilot continued the approach even though he was not properly positioned to make a successful landing. The pilot was found to have a partial occlusion of a coronary artery; however, its relationship to the accident was not determined.
Official Findings
The official probable cause was divided into two occurrences. Occurrence #1 was an in-flight encounter with weather during the approach phase, with findings of improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command, high terrain, clouds, low ceiling, and VFR procedures not followed. Occurrence #2 was an in-flight collision with terrain during the maneuvering phase, with findings of mountainous/hilly terrain and snow-covered terrain.