Flight Details
On May 21, 1983, at noon, a pilot departed Riverton, Wyoming on a flight to Ogden, Utah to transport a minister back to Riverton for a wedding. After arriving in Ogden, the pilot obtained a weather briefing for the return flight.
Weather
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, was warned of possible thunderstorm activity, turbulence, low ceilings, and strong, gusty winds. The briefing indicated that in the vicinity of Lander and Rock Springs, Wyoming, there were rain showers, and with thunderstorm activity, VFR flight may not be possible. The pilot filed a VFR flight plan and stated he would "take a look-see."
Accident
At 1729, the pilot took off from Ogden. There was no en route radio contact, except when the pilot requested and was provided the Riverton weather. At approximately 1930, a resident near the crash site heard a small aircraft flying low. She reported thunder, lightning, thick fog, and heavy snowfall at that time. When the aircraft did not arrive at Riverton, a search was begun. The aircraft was found near a mountain pass, where it had crashed on a ridge in a 45-degree nose-down, wings-level attitude. There was virtually no movement after impact.
Investigation
No pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction was reported.