Accident Details
The aircraft was en route from Milford, Utah to Grand Junction, Colorado. During the flight, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to clouds, snowfall, and icing conditions. While at cruising altitude, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which entered a dive and subsequently crashed in mountainous terrain near Bicknell. The wreckage was not located until nine days later, on November 11. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the loss of control occurred after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Several contributing factors were identified, including improper in-flight decisions or planning, ice accumulation on the propeller and airframe, low ceiling, snow and blowing snow, icing conditions including sleet and/or freezing rain, attempted flight in known icing conditions, and the fact that the aircraft had no airframe or propeller ice protection.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined to be loss of control after the pilot continued VFR flight into adverse weather conditions.