Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed in mountainous terrain while conducting a cross-country flight in bad weather. The pilot had received a weather briefing that included a caution that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The aircraft was not equipped with a radio; the pilot instructed the briefer to assume the aircraft off at 1330 hours.
Pilot and Flight History
The pilot had flown the proposed route many times. On this occasion, the aircraft was reported missing when it failed to arrive at its destination. The wreckage remained undiscovered until June 4, 1983.
Impact Details
The aircraft struck the mountainous terrain in a wings-level, 70-degree nose-low attitude at high speed. The impact created a crater approximately 3 feet deep.
Weather Conditions
According to a deputy sheriff who is also a private pilot, a fast-moving front passed through the area on the day of the accident at about the presumed time of the crash. About half an inch of snow fell in a short period and did not melt.