What happened
During a personal flight conducted under Title 14, CFR part 91, two aircraft were traveling in formation through a mountain pass. The lead aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, was positioned approximately one mile ahead of a second aircraft. As the flight progressed, both pilots began descending to navigate through worsening weather conditions near the narrowest section of the pass.
The pilot of the trailing aircraft reported that visibility became so poor that identifying terrain features was difficult. Upon expressing discomfort with the conditions and deciding to turn back, the second pilot communicated this intention to the lead aircraft. The pilot of the lead aircraft reportedly replied that they were unable to turn around. The last visual contact with the lead aircraft occurred as it entered a dense cloudbank. During a final radio exchange, the pilot of the lead aircraft stated they were attempting to navigate through the pass. Following this transmission, all communication ceased, and no emergency locator signal was detected.
Search operations were unsuccessful for three days until the wreckage was discovered at an elevation of 3,100 feet within the steep terrain of the pass. The aircraft, which sustained two fatalities, was destroyed by the force of the impact and a subsequent fire.
Findings
An examination of the wreckage by the IIC revealed no evidence of mechanical failures or anomalies prior to the accident. The investigation noted that the aircraft was operating in deteriorating visibility while attempting to navigate a narrow mountain pass.