Primary finding
Probable cause
Clearance from mountainous terrain was not maintained. Factors to the accident were: dark night condition, snow showers, and intentional flight into known adverse weather.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a cross country flight at night and in snowing conditions, the airplane collided with mountainous terrain. Shortly after the flight had taken off, the pilot made contact with the fss for a weather update. The specialist informed the pilot that VFR flight was not recommended due to the weather conditions. The pilot opted to continue the flight informing the specialist that he would make contact when the flight was closer. As the flight was nearing the airport, the pilot had tried three times to contact the fss without success. It was later found that the specialist was not monitoring all of the frequencies. The airplane was found in a valley in mountainous terrain. There was no evidence found of a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
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