Accident Overview
On the night of the accident, the pilot of aircraft N5961F departed Fremont on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Cheyenne. Approximately 40 minutes before the accident, the pilot received a weather briefing. The three reporting stations closest to Fremont reported instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, and local authorities who assisted in the search reported low clouds and haze in the area.
Witness Accounts
No witnesses observed the crash itself, but residents living near the accident site reported hearing a loud roar from the aircraft's engine, which ended with a crashing sound. A motorist driving eastbound west of the accident site reported seeing a light descending from north to south at approximately a 45-degree angle to the horizon around the time of the accident. It was dark at the time of the crash.
Wreckage and Investigation
The wreckage was found beneath a large hole in the ice of a lake located 2 miles west of the departure airport. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of mechanical failure or deficiency.
Conclusion
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident. The aircraft's registration is N5961F.