Flight Details
The flight departed without filing a flight plan or obtaining a weather briefing. During the en route phase, deteriorating weather conditions were encountered, prompting the pilot to file an IFR flight plan to a revised destination.
Sequence of Events
Clearance was received for a VOR approach. The pilot was advised of 1/2 mile visibility in snow and fog. A missed approach was reported over the unicom frequency. The aircraft subsequently impacted mountainous terrain at 7,700 feet mean sea level (msl) on a heading of approximately 170°. The impact occurred on the 173° radial, 7.3 miles from the VOR. The inbound course to the final approach fix was 170°, and the inbound final approach course was 196°. The airport elevation was 5,914 feet msl, located on the 196° radial, 5.5 miles from the VOR final approach fix. The VOR approach to runway 21 specified a missed approach at 5.5 DME from the VOR and a minimum descent altitude of 6,600 feet. All five occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's improper IFR procedures. Contributing factors included the existing weather conditions and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight briefing.