C-FITAQP: 7) TERRAIN COLLISION
THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot attempted to maintain VFR in deteriorating IMC conditions, in the area of known mountainous terrain, well below the minimum safe altitude, and did impact the face wall of terrain. The wreckage and bodies of the 3 victims were never recovered.
NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological
conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
THE DTSB
The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft be especially vigilant and not operate in periods of reduced visibility, mountain obscuration, or IMC conditions while attempting to maintain VFR. Pilots should plan routes and use available technology to avoid flight that could operate near terrain that exceeds the planned cruise altitude.
NTSB
None issued. NTSB recommendations are rare and usually tied to high-profile accidents.
See the NTSB Recommendation Tracker →