Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed into a hill immediately after departing from Runway 28. The wreckage was located approximately 8,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway and 1,800 feet left of the extended centerline. The accident site was about 55 feet above the airport elevation.
Witness Accounts and Weather
Witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering at low altitude during a snow storm. Prior to the accident, the flight had originally departed from Jackson, Wyoming earlier in the day but diverted to Riverton due to an oil leak. The oil leak was caused by the oil cap not being in place. The flight remained in Riverton for approximately two hours while the aircraft and engine were being cleaned.
Pilot Behavior and Aircraft Weight
Before departing Jackson, witnesses stated that the pilot was "somewhat rushed and anxious to depart Jackson" and that "the man had a bad case of what you might call get-home-itis, and he was going whether it was VFR or IFR." The aircraft was approximately 253 pounds over maximum gross weight at the time of the accident.
Seat Belt Findings
Both inboard cloth seat belts separated at the juncture where they pass through the metal guides located on the sides of each seat.