What happened
While attempting to navigate through a mountain saddle, the pilot encountered rapidly deteriorating meteorological conditions. As the aircraft began its climb toward the mountain, the flight entered an area characterized by zero visibility, zero ceilings, and intense turbulence. The pilot reported that all visual references were lost immediately preceding the impact.
The aircraft type struck the side of a mountain at an elevation of 1,590 feet, just below the peak's height of 1,707 feet. The collision occurred while the aircraft was on a magnetic heading of 015°. The accident resulted in two fatalities and left three passengers seriously injured.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several contributing factors related to both the crew and operational management. A primary factor was the pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions while operating under visual flight rules. The following elements were noted:
- Inadequate weather evaluation by both the pilot and the operator management
- Poor judgment and improper in-flight planning/decision making by the pilot
- Pressure experienced by the pilot-in-command
- Improper use of the aircraft or its equipment
- Encounter with severe obscuration, including clouds and whiteout conditions
- The presence of high, snow-covered terrain during the maneuver