Accident Overview
A Piper PA-24-180 collided with level desert terrain under circumstances documented by investigators. The wreckage examination revealed that the airplane struck the ground in a left wing down and nose level attitude. Residents of a nearby town reported severe weather conditions on the evening of the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a noninstrument-rated certificated private pilot, obtained a 15-minute electronic weather briefing from DUAT services prior to the flight. The briefing included flight precautions for mountain obscuration, icing, and turbulence along the requested flight routing.
Weather Conditions
AIRMETs had been issued for instrument flight rules conditions, mountain obscuration, and turbulence. The briefing highlighted specific hazards along the planned route. The severe weather reported by local residents corroborated the challenging conditions.
Wreckage Examination
Detailed examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft struck the ground with the left wing down and the nose level. Additionally, paper from the pilot's DUAT weather briefing was found on the engine exhaust system at the accident site. The paper was burned in the area where it contacted the exhaust system and showed wrinkling consistent with having been wet.