Flight History
At 1145, the pilot reported visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and requested radar vectors to the airport. He was issued a cruise clearance of 5,000 feet and given a heading. At 1151, when asked if he was familiar with the area, the pilot responded negatively. He was then advised of rising terrain in all quadrants, including a mountain reaching almost 3,700 feet, located three miles south of the airport. At 1154, the pilot was advised that the airport was less than a mile at 12 o'clock. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft impacted a mountain two miles south of the airport at an elevation of about 2,700 feet mean sea level (MSL).
Weather Conditions
A witness described the sky conditions as a low ceiling with clouds obscuring the mountain peaks. The airport is uncontrolled and has no published instrument approach procedure.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was on a VFR flight when it encountered weather conditions that included low ceilings. The pilot had reported visual contact with the ground at 18 miles from the airport. Despite being advised of rising terrain and a mountain to the south, the aircraft collided with terrain during maneuvering. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings are divided into two occurrences. Occurrence #1: In flight encounter with weather. Findings: 1. Preflight planning/preparation – inadequate – pilot in command; 2. Preflight briefing service – not obtained – pilot in command; 3. Weather condition – low ceiling; 4. VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) – attempted – pilot in command. Occurrence #2: In flight collision with terrain/water. Findings: 5. Terrain condition – mountainous/hilly; 6. Lack of familiarity with geographic area – pilot in command.