Originally Posted by Loose Rivets
A nice easy VFR flight around the mountain and a turn one ridge too early - perhaps with that orographic sheet masking the left ridge.
With the speeds and times we've suggested there could well have been just a few seconds of utter disbelief as it became apparent there was no opening ahead. No real time to do anything in an aircraft that refuses to be pointed at the stars.
I reckon you've nailed it.