Overview
An aircraft crashed in a steep nose-down attitude in hilly terrain, scattering debris over an area of about 100 feet. The wreckage did not travel after initial impact. The fuel tanks were ruptured, and no fuel remained at the scene. Deputies reported no odor of fuel upon arrival. The wreckage was not located for approximately two days after the accident.
Accident Details
The pilot's wife last saw him on July 30 at 2300 hours PDT. He reportedly left home that night or early the next morning. When he did not return on July 31, his wife reported him missing. His car was later found at Hayward Air Terminal, California. No witnesses to the accident have been identified. The wreckage was eventually discovered by a rancher who was checking cattle on his property.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, no discrepancies were uncovered in the airframe or engine. An autopsy and toxicological tests revealed nothing out of the ordinary. The pilot's wife stated that her husband had been depressed due to business issues and had threatened suicide in the past, but she did not believe he would take any action in that regard. However, no official determination was made regarding the cause of the accident.
Additional Context
The aircraft was missing for two days before being found. The pilot had been depressed, according to his wife, but toxicology and autopsy results did not indicate any unusual findings.