Summary
A pilot preparing to land at Cheyenne Airport disappeared after acknowledging a thunderstorm and severe turbulence warning. The aircraft was found the following morning, having impacted gently rising terrain. No mechanical issues were discovered, and toxicology tests on the pilot detected low concentrations of over-the-counter medications.
Sequence of Events
The pilot contacted Cheyenne approach control at dusk, reporting a position 24 miles north of the airport and intentions to land. Controllers advised: "...there is a thunderstorm in the vicinity of the airport north through northeast moving north occasional lightning cloud to ground and a previous aircraft reported severe turbulence." The pilot acknowledged the transmission, after which no further communication occurred. The aircraft was subsequently reported missing.
Search and Wreckage
Personnel responding to an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal reported an extremely low ceiling. The wreckage was discovered the next morning approximately 15 miles north of Cheyenne Airport. Investigation revealed the airplane had impacted gently rising terrain. The wreckage was oriented in a 610-foot-long pattern on a southeasterly heading. Slash marks from both propellers were found, beginning at the initial ground impact point.
Mechanical and Toxicology Findings
No preimpact malfunction of the airplane was found. Samples taken from the pilot's remains tested positive for three over-the-counter medications, one of which is not approved for use while flying an airplane; however, the concentrations were so low that they were not quantified.