mm_flynn
Yes, I couldnt agree more. It is very easy in hindsight to wonder about the decision making that lead to an accident of this type, however lest we forget this would seem to have been a very expereinced pilot, who was well qualified and an intelligent man. It is a whole lot easier to avoid weather operating in the local patch on short flights. This was getting on for a four hour flight over some treacherous terrain in the middle of winter.
I0540
I suspect he did not have oxygen, given that there were three aboard including a baby or very young child. Given the graph I dont think he would have found clear air on top, and as he did not have de-icing a climb might have not provided a solution.