Accident Overview
The pilot was conducting an instrument approach to a non-tower airport located in mountainous terrain. Surface weather conditions were visual flight rules (VFR), but the pilot descended through an overcast cloud layer. The approach environment was not served by any air traffic control radar facility.
Missed Approach Declaration
After descending, the pilot declared a missed approach to the appropriate FAA Flight Service Station and was advised to contact the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). However, ARTCC never received a radio transmission from the pilot.
Wreckage Location
Wreckage was found approximately 6 miles beyond the airport, slightly north of the extended runway centerline.
Missed Approach Procedure
The published missed approach procedure required an immediate climb, followed by a climbing right turn to reverse direction away from the airport. The missed approach segment began 5.2 DME miles prior to the airport. The minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 4,320 feet mean sea level (4,200 feet above the runway elevation). The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain at approximately the same altitude as the MDA.
Occupants
All four occupants of the aircraft were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be the pilot's failure to follow the published IFR (missed approach) procedure and assure adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain.