Flight and Disappearance
The pilot departed from a remote mountain airstrip in clear, calm, daylight conditions, accompanied by two other airplanes. The three aircraft flew in proximity at approximately 9,200 feet mean sea level (msl). The accident pilot radioed that he was going to turn to the right and then disappeared from view. Shortly after, he radioed that he would change frequencies to the destination airport. The airplane never arrived at its destination and was reported missing.
Wreckage Discovery
Five days after the flight, the airplane was found intact and burned in a remote valley about 9 miles north of the destination airport, at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet msl.
Pilot and Aircraft Condition
The pilot, aged 80, was familiar with both the airplane and the local terrain. He had reported no problems with the airplane before or during the flight. Evidence from the wreckage indicated that the airplane had impacted the ground in a flat spin while engine power was applied. No preimpact mechanical deficiencies were found. The pilot had not reported any health issues, and no history of cardiovascular disease was discovered.