What happened
The aircraft impacted the summit of a mesa at an elevation of 5,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) before cartwheeling approximately 300 feet along a heading of 360 degrees. At the time of the accident, the density altitude at the crash site was calculated to be 5,359 feet. The aircraft was flying directly toward the rotating beacon at Canyonlands Airport, which has an elevation of 4,574 feet MSL.
Sheriff's deputies discovered that the aircraft was loaded with marijuana weighing approximately 798 pounds. An additional estimated 200 pounds of marijuana was scattered along the wreckage path. Two bodies were recovered at the scene; neither belonged to the pilot who had originally rented the aircraft. Three days after the accident, the original renter reported the aircraft stolen. It remains undetermined if there is a connection between the renter and the occupants found at the crash site.
The pilot's body tested positive for alcohol and drugs, with an alcohol concentration of 0.066 percent. The departure point and destination of the flight were not determined. The aircraft was scheduled to be returned the day after the accident by the original renter.
Findings
Contributing factors included the presence of narcotics in the aircraft and the pilot's impairment due to alcohol and drugs. The cause of the crash remains linked to these operational violations.