Incident Overview
A cross-country flight from Camarillo, California, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, ended in a crash near Williams Pass, Colorado. The pilot had landed at Montrose, Colorado, at approximately noon, where the aircraft was refueled and the occupants dined at a restaurant.
Sequence of Events
After departing from Montrose, the aircraft was observed flying low over rising, mountainous terrain, heading toward Williams Pass. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed on the south slope of a valley near Williams Pass, approximately 92 miles east-northeast of Montrose.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses did not see or hear the crash. At the time, they speculated that the pilot may have turned or continued over the pass. The aircraft was later found after a witness learned of a missing plane and notified authorities.
Investigation Findings
No evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was discovered. The density altitude at the time of the accident was estimated to be 14,400 feet. The pilot's last biennial flight review was completed on July 24, 1981.