Overview
An airline transport pilot operating under CFR Part 135 departed on a cargo and mail flight destined for a remote coastal village. The flight did not arrive at its destination, prompting an aerial search. The wreckage was located the following day in mountainous terrain, approximately 21 miles from the departure airport. The airplane had collided with rising terrain.
Weather Conditions
An AIRMET for mountain obscuration in clouds and precipitation had been issued for the pilot's planned route. Another pilot, who departed about 20 minutes after the accident flight and followed a similar route, characterized the weather along the accident airplane's path as having very low visibility with rain, fog, and varied layers of cloud cover. This pilot stated that he altered his route to avoid the deteriorating weather conditions. He also noted that under satisfactory weather, the standard route directly over the mountain that the accident airplane struck would be used to reach the intended destination.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were low ceilings, mountainous/hilly terrain features, rain, and fog.