Background
Before departing on a scheduled air taxi flight with two passengers, the pilot obtained a weather briefing. The briefing included AIRMETs for mountain obscuration, instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, and icing. Visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended.
Departure and Weather
A company flight that departed prior to the accident flight returned to the company base after encountering low ceilings. The accident flight subsequently departed under a VFR flight plan. It encountered low ceilings in an area of mountainous terrain.
Accident Sequence
While maneuvering around the terrain, the aircraft entered a period of obscuration. During this time, it collided with several trees.
Operational Context
The company operations manual states that the pilot is responsible for the conduct of the flight. It also includes procedures for dispatch responsibilities, dissemination of weather information, and the director of operations' duty to monitor and cancel flights when necessary.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined to be the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors in the accident were fog and low ceilings, as well as a failure of the operator to follow the procedures specified in the company operations manual.