Primary finding
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure that the airplane remained in visual meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, and the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration executives and managers responsible for the FAA flying program to: 1)establish effective and accountable leadership and oversight of flying operations; 2)establish minimum mission and operational performance standards; 3)recognize and address performance-related problems among the organization's pilots; and 4) remove from flight operations duty pilots who were not performing to standards.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was flying at 2,000 feet in the vicinity of high terrain when the airplane entered IMC conditions. The airplane struck the high terrain near the LINDEN VOR, while the PIC was awaiting an IFR clearance.
Source record
Factual narrative
The airplane, used to inspect airways facilities, had departed nearby Winchester Regional Airport in visual meteorlogical conditions (VMC) on a routine point-to-point flight to Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. Witnesses described low clouds that were consistent with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in the area of the accident, which was about 15 south of the departure field. An IFR flight plan was on file in the ATC system, but the flight plan had not been activated. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. At 1549, the PIC reported, "we're over the Linden VOR at 2,000 feet, can you get us a little higher, VFR on top and we'll be on our way." The airplane struck high terrain at 2,000 feet. -