Flight Events
A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) crew was conducting a search and rescue mission in mountainous terrain. After approximately 40 minutes of flight time, the pilot reported 'ops normal' to CAP operations. About 25 minutes later, another aircraft performing a grid search in an adjacent area reported hearing an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal. Repeated attempts to contact the accident aircraft by radio were unsuccessful.
Weather Conditions
Localized weather conditions at the time included strong winds, downdrafts, and turbulence, as noted by other search aircraft and pilot witnesses flying in the area.
Crash Site and Examination
The aircraft impacted near the crest of a ridge and was found oriented vertically to the horizon. Investigators observed extensive and full-span rearward leading edge crush deformation on both wings. The examination revealed no airframe or engine discrepancies.