Overview
An aircraft was discovered in February 1983 by a cross-country skier after being reported overdue by the pilot's relatives. Prior to the discovery, residents near the crash site reported hearing the sounds of a low-flying airplane suddenly terminate.
Investigation
The investigation into the accident revealed that the aircraft impacted terrain at high speed in a near-vertical dive. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found. Unofficial weather reports at the time indicated conditions of 200 feet obscured, 1/4 mile visibility, heavy snow, temperature 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind from 200 degrees at 5 knots.
Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, departed the Salt Lake City area without filing a flight plan. No record of a weather briefing was found. There were no communications with the pilot after departure.
Radar Tracking
The pilot had been assigned a discrete transponder code during departure and did not change it, allowing a radar track to be obtained. The radar showed a continuous track to the area of the accident, then intermittently lost, remaining in "bobs and weaves" until disappearing.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the aircraft crashed due to a high-speed near-vertical impact. No mechanical failures were identified.