Flight Details
The pilot and passenger had flown to Ogallala, Nebraska, for recreational boating and water skiing. The following day, the pilot's wife reminded him of an engagement scheduled for that evening. The pilot contacted a Flight Service Station (FSS) on five separate occasions; each time, he was informed that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. The pilot told a friend that he planned to follow the Interstate Highway on the return flight to Boulder, Colorado. He stated that if he could not complete the journey, he would turn around and return to Ogallala. He also mentioned the possibility of landing on the highway in an emergency.
The pilot and passenger departed at 3:00 p.m.
Weather and Witness Account
A witness described the weather conditions as having a low ceiling, reduced visibility, and light drizzle. No other weather information was provided.
Accident Site
The wreckage was discovered the following morning located 0.5 miles south of the Interstate Highway and 33 miles west of Ogallala. The aircraft had crashed on a heading back toward Ogallala. The aircraft's clock had stopped at 3:18; the time of day (a.m. or p.m.) was not specified.