Accident Summary
A twin-engine airplane, while flying in marginal weather conditions, struck trees and subsequently crashed into a mountain shrouded in clouds. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be: Collision with trees and subsequent crash in normal cruise due to improper IFR operation on part of the pilot.
Contributing Factors
The following contributing factors were reported in the investigation:
- Traffic control personnel issued improper or conflicting instructions.
- Santa Fe weather observation reported mountain tops obscured.
- The controller was not familiar with high terrain in area or MVA.