What happened
In an effort to avoid an approaching snowstorm, a commercial pilot and five passengers departed from an uncontrolled airport situated in a mountainous region one day ahead of their original schedule. The flight was intended to be a night, cross-country journey conducted under instrument meteorological conditions.
During the initial climb, the pilot was navigating toward a VOR located approximately 27 miles southeast of the departure airfield. While attempting to establish contact with the ARTCC to activate the instrument flight plan, the aircraft drifted off its intended path. The aircraft eventually struck trees and snow-covered ground at an elevation of 10,200 feet MSL, positioned roughly 7 nautical miles and 22 degrees to the right of the planned course.
As a result of the impact, four fatalities occurred among the passengers. The pilot and one other individual sustained two injuries during the accident.
Findings
- The flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions.
- The pilot was attempting to contact air traffic control to open an instrument flight plan during the climb.
- The pilot failed to maintain terrain clearance while navigating through mountainous terrain.