Departure and Search
A certificated private pilot departed on a local area flight to practice touch-and-go landings in the vicinity of a 4,200-foot-high mountain. The airplane did not return, prompting an aerial search.
Witness Observation
On the day of the accident, a witness flying in another airplane in the area reported to search personnel that she observed an airplane crest the mountain top and descend downslope out of view, followed by a cloud of dust.
Initial and Subsequent Discovery
Search personnel initially reported finding only miscellaneous debris. Approximately four weeks later, the wreckage was located near the summit of the mountain, partially consumed by a postcrash fire. It was found by a passing helicopter nestled in a grey and black colored rock outcropping. The wreckage path was oriented on an easterly heading and was located about 100 yards south of a small airstrip at the top of the mountain. The airstrip is oriented on a north/south heading.
Meteorological Conditions
About 27 miles east at Anchorage, the wind was reported to be from 250 degrees at 4 knots.