Incident Overview
A pilot-in-command attempted to fly through a mountain saddle. While turning toward the mountain and beginning a climb, the weather deteriorated rapidly. Ceilings dropped to zero, visibility became zero, and severe turbulence was encountered. The airplane struck the side of a 1,707-foot-high mountain at the 1,590-foot level on a magnetic heading of 015°. The pilot-in-command stated that just prior to impact he could not see anything.
Casualties
Two passengers were killed, and three other occupants were seriously injured.
Probable Cause
The official findings list two occurrences. Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather during climb to cruise. Findings: (c) in-flight planning/decision – improper – pilot in command; (c) pressure – pilot in command; (f) weather condition – obscuration; (c) VFR flight into IMC – continued – pilot in command; (c) weather evaluation – poor – pilot in command; (c) judgment – poor – pilot in command; (c) improper use of equipment/aircraft – pilot in command; (f) weather evaluation – poor – company/operator management. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water during maneuvering. Findings: (f) terrain condition – high terrain; (f) terrain condition – snow covered; (f) weather condition – clouds; (f) weather condition – whiteout; (f) visual/aural perception – pilot in command.