Accident
While descending to La Grande Airport, the crew of a twin-engine airplane encountered poor weather conditions. Flying at low altitude above mountainous terrain, the airplane struck power cables and crashed in flames on a mountain. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants were killed.
Investigation
Official investigation findings stated that the crew continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions and failed to see and avoid power cables. Contributing factors reported included low ceiling and rain, high obstructions, and flying at low level below clouds in mountainous terrain.
Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the official investigation, was that the crew continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions and failed to see and avoid power cables. The following factors were reported: low ceiling and rain, high obstructions, and flying at low level below clouds in mountainous terrain.