Primary finding
Probable cause
Pilot in command's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's disregard for adverse weather advisory, weather conditions (clouds) and mountainous terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Pilot filed VFR flight plan for flight to remote strip eastbound via whittier/portage pass. Approx 6 minutes after takeoff aircraft impacted at 700 ft level of pass in level flight. Fss briefings during preceeding 6 hrs included advisories of IMC weather in mountain passes, w/portage pass closed. Track of aircraft indicated aircraft was skirting left side of pass. Left wingtip struck vertical wall on heading approx 60 degrees left of pass centerline. Weather observed as 200 ft obscured and 1 and 1/2 mile visibility, with rain and fog. Witnesses 700 ft below site heard but could not see impact.
Source record
Factual narrative
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