Accident Overview
An aircraft failed to arrive at its intended destination, prompting a search. The wreckage was located four days later in mountainous terrain. The accident occurred during a period of severe thunderstorm activity in the area.
Investigation Findings
Radar data indicated an aircraft, presumed to be N3328F, was tracked northbound toward rising terrain. The transponder was squawking code 1200 (VFR) but did not report Mode C altitude information. The aircraft then turned eastbound for 5 to 7 miles, followed by approximately one minute of circling before radar contact was lost. The wreckage was subsequently found in the same vicinity.
An examination of the wreckage revealed the aircraft impacted in a steep nose-down, slightly inverted attitude at high speed. No preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction was discovered. No record was found of the pilot receiving a preflight weather briefing prior to the flight.