Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The adverse weather conditions contributed to the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During his weather briefing the pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to clouds obscuring the mountains and/or precipitation along the entire route. Witnesses skiing about 3/4 mi from the accident site reported hearing airplane engine sounds overhead; the airplane was not observed due to low clouds and snow flurries. The engine sound abruptly ended with a metallic thud. The airplane had impacted 33 deg upsloping terrain at about 8.600 ft msl.
Source record
Factual narrative
-