Background
The accident involved a commercial pilot navigating a flight through an area of mountainous terrain. During cruise, the pilot experienced geographical disorientation.
Sequence of Events
As a result of the disorientation, the pilot selected a passage through the mountains that was not the correct route. Upon realizing the error, he initiated a steep climb while simultaneously turning the aircraft 180 degrees. During this climbing turn, the airplane inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). With reduced visibility and loss of visual reference, the airplane subsequently impacted a section of rocky terrain that was rising in elevation. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Official Finding
The probable cause, as stated by the investigation, was the pilot's failure to select the correct route through the mountains as a result of geographic disorientation, and his subsequent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.