What happened
While operating in a cruise phase through a mountainous region, the pilot of the aircraft experienced geographic disorientation. This loss of situational awareness resulted in the selection of an improper flight path through the mountain range. Upon recognizing the navigational error, the pilot attempted to correct the course by performing a 180-degree turn accompanied by a steep climb.
During the execution of this climbing maneuver, the aircraft entered instrument meteorological conditions. The flight continued into rising, rocky terrain, resulting in an impact. The pilot indicated that the aircraft was functioning normally prior to the accident and reported no mechanical failures or system anomalies that would have prevented the standard operation of the plane.
Findings
- The pilot's loss of geographic orientation led to an incorrect route selection.
- Spatial disorientation during a steep climbing turn contributed to the aircraft entering weather conditions that obscured the terrain.
- There were no reported mechanical issues or malfunctions contributing to the crash.