Flight History
On the day of the accident, the aircraft departed Vernal, Utah at 1810 Mountain Standard Time following a refueling stop. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the flight, the pilot contacted the Rock Springs Flight Service Station (FSS) and reported being 20 miles south of the station. The FSS provided the pilot with current weather information and the runway in use. No further radio transmissions were received from the pilot.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft subsequently struck a mountain ridge at an elevation of approximately 8,700 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The specific location of the impact was not detailed in the source. The pilot does not recall any events of the flight or any details of the crash, according to statements made after the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot was certificated for Part 135 operations in late December 1981. Prior to the accident, the pilot had flown the same route on two other occasions. No other information regarding the pilot's qualifications or experience was provided.