VFR Flight from Denver to Ogden Ends in Crash Near Laramie, Wyoming (N14698)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence A low-time, recently certificated private pilot departed Denver, Colorado, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Ogden, Utah, at approximately 1150 local time. At 1250 local time, the pilot reported the aircraft was 6 nautical miles south of Laramie (LAR), Wyoming, at 10,500 feet. Approximately 15 minutes later, the aircraft crashed in a clearcut area 31 nautical miles west of LAR at 9,200 feet MSL. The pilot had filed with 4 hours and 50 minutes of fuel aboard. A post-crash fire consumed most of the aircraft, and there were no witnesses to the accident. ## Investigation Findings There was no evidence of significant rotational scarring on the propeller or within the engine. Tree impacts at the edge of the clearcut were consistent with a right-wing-down attitude. The engine was disassembled, and no evidence of mechanical malfunction was noted.