Accident Site
The wreckage was found on the northeast side of Halfway Mountain at an elevation of 1,600 feet, with the aircraft heading approximately 270°. The accident site lies within two miles of the initial approach fix for the Localizer/DME Runway 16 approach at McGrath. The minimum en route altitude (MEA) for the DME arc is listed as 3,600 feet above mean sea level, while the sector obstruction clearance altitude is 3,100 feet above mean sea level.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, Airmet Sierra indicated that mountain tops would be obscured and that ceilings would occasionally be 1,500 feet broken. There were reports of snow showers in the area of sufficient intensity that search aircraft could not fly through them.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot in command's improper inflight planning/decision and his attempt to fly VFR through IMC conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the snow, whiteout conditions, and darkness. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.