Incident Summary
A non-instrument rated pilot departed under overcast weather conditions and proceeded toward a mountain pass that was hidden in clouds. After the flight failed to reach its destination, a search was launched. The wreckage was eventually discovered in a box canyon situated on the side of a mountain ridgeline. The aircraft had come to rest in a vertical, nose-down attitude. All four occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified multiple occurrences. The first occurrence involved an in-flight encounter with weather during maneuvering. Findings included: weather condition of obscuration; improper preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command; mountainous and hilly terrain; and continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions by the pilot. Additionally, rising terrain was noted. The second occurrence was a loss of control during maneuvering, attributed to an inadvertent stall and spin by the pilot in command, with a lack of total instrument time as a contributing factor. The third occurrence was an in-flight collision with terrain during an uncontrolled descent.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official findings, encompasses three occurrences: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather during maneuvering, with findings of weather obscuration, improper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, mountainous terrain, and continued VFR flight into IMC. Occurrence #2: loss of control in flight during maneuvering due to an inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot and lack of total instrument time. Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent.