Accident Summary
An airplane crashed near Mead during poor weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. According to the official investigation, the pilot became lost and disoriented while cruising in adverse weather. The aircraft subsequently stalled due to insufficient flying speed, entered a dive, and collided with terrain.
Flight Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather was characterized by rain, low ceiling, thunderstorm activity, and visibility of half a mile or less. The pilot was conducting visual flight rules (VFR) flight into these adverse conditions.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a stall and subsequent loss of control due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors reported by investigators include:
- The pilot became lost and disoriented
- The pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions
- The pilot failed to maintain flying speed
- Rain
- Low ceiling
- Thunderstorm activity
- Visibility half a mile or less
These factors collectively led to the loss of control and crash.