Accident Overview
During a night cross-country flight, a non-instrument rated pilot was returning when the aircraft struck rising terrain. The impact occurred at an elevation of approximately 10,300 feet, near the top of a mountain ridge. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found.
Weather Conditions
Investigation revealed the presence of a fast-moving cold front with thunderstorms in the vicinity. About 30 miles southeast, at Rock Springs, Wyoming, the reported weather included: ceiling 1,300 feet broken, visibility 5 miles with rain, wind from 280 degrees at 17 knots gusting to 22 knots.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction prior to impact. The investigation focused on weather factors but did not assign a specific probable cause.