Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, an aircraft was observed by ground witnesses to enter low clouds while traveling south. It subsequently emerged from the clouds and collided with a mountain. The aircraft impacted the terrain in a wings-level and powered attitude. The mountains in the area were reported to be obscured by clouds and fog. All eight occupants on board were killed.
Witness Observations
Ground witnesses reported seeing the aircraft enter low clouds heading south, then emerge from the clouds. Shortly after, the aircraft collided with the mountain. The witnesses noted that the mountains were obscured by clouds and fog at the time.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was in cruise flight when it encountered weather conditions. It entered low clouds while traveling south, then emerged from the clouds. The aircraft continued in a wings-level, powered attitude until it struck a mountain. The collision resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all eight occupants.
Official Findings
The investigation identified multiple occurrences and findings. Occurrence #1: in-flight encounter with weather during cruise (normal). Findings: (1) weather condition - clouds; (2) flight into known adverse weather - initiated by pilot in command; (3) weather condition - obscuration; (4) in-flight planning/decision - improper by pilot in command; (5) weather condition - fog; (6) VFR flight into IMC - continued by pilot in command; (7) clearance - inadequate by pilot in command. Occurrence #2: in-flight collision with object during cruise (normal). Finding: object - tree(s). Occurrence #3: in-flight collision with terrain/water during cruise (normal). Finding: terrain condition - mountainous/hilly.