Incident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot and a pilot-rated, nonrevenue passenger departed at night from a remote village airport on the final leg of a VFR scheduled air taxi flight. The destination airport was located 17 nautical miles northeast of the departure point. Shortly after departure, the pilot reported encountering severe turbulence and entering a snow squall, during which visibility dropped below 1 mile. The pilot stated that he was in instrument meteorological conditions and that a strong surface wind was blowing the airplane toward the southwest. In response, he began correcting his course toward the southeast before colliding with a snow-covered hill.
Passenger Account
According to the passenger, light snow showers were falling in the area, accompanied by turbulence and strong winds from the northeast. After departure, snow showers intensified, and the pilot turned toward the south, away from the intended destination. Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, the passenger inquired about the direction of flight, and the pilot replied that he intended to head toward the coast and follow it to the destination. Visibility at that time was about 1 mile. No ground features were visible until the passenger observed snow-covered terrain approximately 3 feet below the airplane, after which the airplane collided with the terrain.
Weather and Flight Conditions
The pilot indicated that he had obtained a weather briefing from an FAA Flight Service Station prior to the flight. The flight occurred at night in conditions described by the pilot as severe turbulence, snow squall with visibility below 1 mile, and instrument meteorological conditions. Strong surface winds from the northeast were reported, and snow showers were present in the area.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors identified were dark night conditions, snow-covered terrain, and low ceilings.