What happened
During a night flight under instrument flight rules, an instrument-rated private pilot attempted to land at an uncontrolled airfield that lacked instrument approach procedures. While flying above a layer of overcast clouds, the pilot notified air traffic control of his intention to locate a break in the cloud cover to perform a visual approach. After initially reporting that no such opening was visible, the pilot requested and was granted an IFR clearance to divert to a larger, controlled airport.
During the transit to the alternate destination, the pilot reported finding a break in the clouds and decided to attempt the visual approach to the original uncontrolled airport. While descending at a rate of 2,280 feet per minute, the aircraft struck mountainous terrain at an elevation of 6,200 feet MSL. At the time of the impact, instrument meteorological conditions were present in the vicinity of the crash site. No emergency communications were transmitted by the crew prior to the accident, and a post-crash investigation of the wreckage found no signs of mechanical failure prior to impact.
Findings
- The accident resulted in two fatalities.
- The aircraft struck terrain while the pilot was attempting a visual approach in IMC.