Accident Overview
At dusk, a pilot contacted the Reno, Nevada, Flight Service Station. He declined a standard briefing but requested a route forecast between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was advised of an AIRMET for mountain obscurement, occasional moderate rime icing in clouds and precipitation between 8,000 and 17,000 feet east of the Continental Divide. Additionally, he was advised of IFR conditions from Pueblo north to Denver. The pilot filed a VFR flight plan and departed.
Witness Accounts and Impact
Witnesses near the accident site reported hearing a low flying airplane followed by the sounds of impact. The impact occurred near the top of a ridge. No preimpact mechanical problem was found.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was described as 100 to 200 feet visibility, freezing temperature, fog, and intermittent light snow.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an instrument rating, but his logbook contained no recorded instrument flight time—either simulated or actual—in the last 13 years. Autopsy protocol disclosed that the pilot had 'patchy fibrosis compatible with previous cardiac ischemia' and 'significant arteriosclerosis.' Toxicological protocol disclosed the presence of thiazides, a diuretic used in heart medication.
Aircraft Loading
Five people were aboard the airplane, although it was equipped with only four seats.