CHALLIS, ID, USA
N9008E
MAULE M5
THE PILOT TOOK OFF ON A VFR FLT THROUGH MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WITH NO PREFLT WEATHER BRIEFING. THE MOUNTAIN TOPS IN THE DIRECTION OF FLT, VISIBLE FROM THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT, WERE OBSCURED IN CLOUDS. THE PILOT FOLLOWED A ROAD AT A LOW ALT AGL UP A MOUNTAIN PASS, ENCOUNTERED A SNOW SQUALL AT THE TOP OF THE PASS AND ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE. THE ACFT IMPACTED TERRAIN IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE 500 FEET FROM THE ROAD IN THE PASS.
THE PILOT CONTINUED THE VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC WEATHER CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE SNOW AND OBSCURATION WEATHER CONDITIONS, INADEQUATE PREFLT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND, AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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