Accident Details
An aircraft collided with rising terrain during a night cross-country flight. No flight plan was filed. Radio communications were normal during the short flight of approximately 40 miles until the pilot was asked to change transponder codes, after which the transponder signal ceased.
The crash site was situated on the west slopes of a valley running north-south between mountain ranges, in an area characterized by gently rising terrain.
Investigation
An on-scene investigation was conducted on March 1, 1985, about seven months after the accident. The delay was due to the failure in locating the aircraft, which became overdue (missing) on August 6, 1984.
Remains and Pathology
Skeletal remains of the pilot were found 2 miles from the accident site, making pathological tests very difficult. Evidence of a skull fracture was present, but there was no evidence of fire on the remains or clothing of the pilot.
The passenger's remains were found near the rear cockpit area of the wreckage. There was some evidence of fire involvement on the clothing covering the lower extremity of the passenger.