Flight and Navigation
The pilot refueled the airplane in Trinidad, Colorado, and programmed the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for a flight to Center, Colorado. After departure, the GPS radio performed accurately throughout the flight. However, when the GPS indicated that the airplane had arrived at Center, the pilot was unable to locate the airport.
Precautionary Landing
With insufficient fuel remaining to fly to another airport, the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing on a gravel road. The road was oriented south-southwest, and the wind was from the south at 15 miles per hour with gusts to 25 miles per hour.
Accident Sequence
During the landing roll, a wind gust caused the airplane to drift off the right side of the road. The right main landing gear struck a large rock and was torn off. The airplane then ground-looped to the right and came to rest on its nose and left wing tip. The accident site was located approximately 50 miles south of Center and 80 miles west of Trinidad. The pilot reported departing Trinidad with 80 gallons of fuel and stated he was unfamiliar with the area.