Background
The accident airplane was one of two aircraft transporting supplies and personnel for a hunting/fishing company on a multi-segment route. The pilot held an airline transport certificate and was conducting a VFR cross-country business flight. On board were a pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat and another passenger seated behind the pilot.
Pre-flight and Weather
The pilot obtained a weather briefing from the FAA that included AIRMETs for mountain obscuration and IFR conditions due to low ceilings and visibility in smoke, light rain, and mist. At takeoff, the pilot reported visibility of 1 to 3 miles in smoke, haze, and fog, but conditions were VFR. The rear seat passenger estimated visibility at takeoff was about 1 mile. A terminal forecast for the departure airport indicated few clouds at 500 feet and visibilities as low as 3 miles in smoke and mist.
Flight Events
The pilot-rated passenger was initially flying the airplane. The pilot recalled hazy conditions with rolling hills and river cuts visible. As visibility decreased, the pilot reassumed control and attempted a 180-degree turn to clear the low visibility area. About 30 minutes after departure, the airplane was flying over mountainous terrain at an estimated 500 to 1,000 feet above the ground, apparently following a canyon. The passenger noted that visibility decreased due to fog. The airplane's throw-over control yoke was positioned in front of the right seat when a mountain ridge suddenly appeared. The pilot repositioned the yoke to the left, banked left, and added engine power. Within seconds, the airplane collided with several trees and descended to the ground.
Wreckage and Damage
The airplane came to rest upright at about 1,400 feet msl with extensive fuselage damage. One wing was torn off. A postcrash fire consumed the wreckage. The destination airport for that flight segment had few clouds at 100 feet and visibilities as low as 2 1/2 miles.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision making, his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings due to smoke, rain, and mist.