Accident Details
The pilot communicated via radio with Cedar City Flight Watch, reporting that he was in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and climbing through 11,400 feet. Flight Watch provided weather information. Approximately one minute later, the pilot responded with "OK, roger that ah understand---." A recording of this transmission indicated the pilot was breathing heavily and forcefully, and his rate of speech had slowed noticeably.
Radar and Impact
At the time of the final transmission, radar data showed the aircraft reaching its peak altitude during the climb and then transitioning into a high rate of descent. The descent continued until the aircraft impacted terrain in a mountainous area.
Post-Mortem Examination
A post-mortem examination of the pilot was conducted. The examination revealed severe sclerosis, with over 60% occlusion of the right coronary artery and over 90% occlusion of the left anterior descending and circumflex branches. The examination also noted ankle fractures, but no fractures of the hand, wrist, or fingers.
Pilot Background
The pilot was 36 years old. His twin brother reported that the pilot had experienced a "heart issue" 8 to 10 years earlier.