What happened
A formation of seven aircraft, including the involved plane, departed from Reno-Stead Airport to perform a classified operation. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft was operating at an altitude of 6,000 feet amidst restricted visibility. While traveling through the Gillis Mountain Range, approximately 12 miles northeast of Hawthorne, the aircraft struck a mountain slope.
The wreckage was located near the summit of the terrain. The impact resulted in seven fatalities, with no survivors among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the crash indicated that the accident occurred while the aircraft was flying in conditions of limited visibility. The primary factor identified in the loss of the aircraft was controlled flight into terrain.