Departure and Search
On December 23, 1995, a non-instrument rated pilot departed northern California on a cross-country flight to Arizona. No flight plan was filed. The pilot failed to arrive at the destination, and a search was initiated but was unsuccessful.
Discovery
On June 27, 1996, microwave technicians spotted the wreckage while en route to an antenna site. The aircraft had collided with the crest of a ridge line in a near-level cruise flight attitude.
Weather Conditions
During the initial search, a resort in the area was contacted to see if the pilot had landed there, as he had done in the past. Resort personnel reported that there had been no aircraft traffic that day due to low clouds, rain, and snow showers. The wreckage was located about 16 miles from the resort.
Wreckage Examination
The emergency locator beacon had been destroyed by impact and postcrash fire damage. The aircraft was not recovered for further examination; the investigation was based on the scene evidence and witness reports.