Overview
An aircraft on a cross-country flight at dawn crashed while navigating at an elevation of approximately 6000 feet. The impact occurred on rising, rocky terrain within a box canyon area. No ground scars were evident, but the aircraft struck a rocky slide area before coming to rest, sustaining extensive damage.
Impact Details
The wreckage was located in a single area with no evidence of a pre-crash path. The propeller blades exhibited chordwise nicks, scrapes, and deep gouges, consistent with impact on rocky surfaces. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found during examination.
Weather
At 0649, approximately 11 miles southwest of Wenatchee, Washington, weather conditions were reported as: estimated 9000 feet broken ceiling, 25,000 feet overcast, 15 miles visibility, wind light and variable. The elevation of the weather reporting facility was 1245 feet.
Aircraft Examination
Investigators found no indications of mechanical anomalies or system malfunctions prior to impact. The damage pattern and propeller markings suggest the aircraft struck terrain at an angle, with impact forces concentrated on the propeller and forward structure.