What happened
During a VFR cross-country business flight, an aircraft was transporting supplies, cargo, and personnel for a hunting and fishing company. The flight was part of a multi-segment route to a remote airport. On board were the pilot, a pilot-rated passenger in the right front seat, and a second passenger in the rear seat.
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that noted AIRMETs for mountain obscuration and IFR conditions resulting from mist, light rain, and smoke. At takeoff, visibility was reported between 1 and 3 miles due to haze, fog, and smoke. While the pilot-rated passenger was initially operating the aircraft, the pilot took control as visibility began to decrease.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the aircraft was navigating mountainous terrain, following a canyon at an altitude between 500 and 1,000 feet. As fog further reduced visibility, a mountain ridge suddenly became visible. The pilot attempted an evasive maneuver by banking the aircraft to the left and increasing engine power. During this attempt to avoid the terrain, the aircraft struck several trees and crashed. The wreckage, located at approximately 1,400 feet MSL, sustained extensive damage, including the loss of one wing, and was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Findings
- The flight was conducted in conditions involving low visibility due to smoke and fog.
- The aircraft was flying at a low altitude over mountainous terrain.
- The pilot attempted a maneuver to avoid a mountain ridge that appeared suddenly in the flight path.