Overview
A single-engine airplane crashed after colliding with trees in a wooded area near Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountain Range. The aircraft was flying at low altitude in a canyon and approaching a mountain pass when the pilot attempted to climb. Unable to outclimb the rising terrain, the airplane struck trees and crashed. The wreckage was discovered several hours later. All seven occupants were killed.
Accident Details
The accident occurred while the airplane was flying at low altitude over mountainous terrain. According to the investigation, the pilot entered a canyon and was approaching a mountain pass when he decided to gain altitude. The single-engine airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain and subsequently struck trees. The crash site was in a wooded area near Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountain Range. The wreckage was found a few hours after the accident. All seven persons on board died.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause was collision with trees due to improper in-flight decisions by the pilot. The investigation reported several contributing factors: unwarranted low flying; misjudged distance, speed, and altitude; inadequate preflight preparation; improperly loaded aircraft (weight and center of gravity); high obstructions; and exceeded gross weight and aft center of gravity.