What happened
The flight began without a filed flight plan or a prior weather briefing. During the flight, the crew encountered worsening weather conditions, which prompted them to file an IFR flight plan for a different destination. Upon receiving clearance for a VOR approach, the pilot was notified that visibility was reduced to 0.5 miles due to the presence of fog and snow.
While executing the approach, a missed approach was communicated over the unicom frequency. The aircraft subsequently struck mountainous terrain at an altitude of approximately 7,700 feet MSL. The impact occurred on the 173° radial, roughly 7.3 miles from the VOR. The flight was operating with an inbound course to the final approach fix of 170°, while the final approach course itself was 196°. The airport involved is situated at an elevation of 5,914 feet MSL, with the final approach fix located 5.5 miles from the VOR on the 196° radial.
All five occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.
Findings
- The flight was conducted without an initial flight plan or weather briefing.
- Deteriorating weather conditions, specifically snow and fog, significantly reduced visibility to 0.5 miles during the approach.
- The VOR approach to runway 21 required a minimum descent altitude of 6,600 feet and a missed approach procedure at 5.5 DME.