Background
The pilot obtained a weather briefing from Las Vegas Flight Service Station (FSS) and was advised that flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) was not recommended for the proposed flight to Durango, Colorado (DRO). Despite this, the pilot filed a VFR flight plan and departed Las Vegas.
Flight Sequence
Over Page, Arizona, the pilot filed a Pilot Report (PIREP) and was again informed that VFR flight was not recommended. The aircraft, registration N6105R, landed at Blanding, Utah (BDG) due to snow. The pilot and passengers had Thanksgiving dinner with the airport manager. The pilot then contacted his wife in Durango, who reported that the weather was acceptable. He subsequently obtained a weather briefing from Cedar City FSS and departed Blanding.
Accident
The aircraft crashed approximately two miles north-northeast of Cortez Airport, roughly halfway between its departure point and intended destination. The wreckage came to rest in a snow-covered ravine adjacent to a highway. Witnesses reported that visibility was restricted due to snow, fog, and diminishing daylight.
Post-Accident Analysis
The pilot was not instrument rated. Toxicological analysis of the pilot's gastrocnemius muscle tissue revealed 0.057% ethanol and less than 0.005% tert-butanol, a form of heavy alcohol.