Accident
The airplane collided with rugged, mountainous terrain while on a VFR cross-country flight. The accident occurred at an altitude between 9,000 and 13,000 feet MSL, with mountain peaks along the route in the same elevation range.
Conditions
Area Pilot Reports (PIREPS) for light airplanes and weather observations indicated that the airplane encountered upper-level headwinds of about 50-55 knots and moderate to severe turbulence. One PIREP noted vertical drafts exceeding 1,000 feet per minute in both up and down directions. Another PIREP described stacked lenticular clouds at a magnitude not previously observed. According to the NTSB Meteorology Factual Report, the airplane was in severe to extreme turbulent air, and mountain wave conditions may have been present at the time of the accident.
Pilot and Aircraft
The pilot had 8,200 hours of flying experience and was familiar with the route of flight. No evidence of incapacitation was found during the autopsy. Examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no pre-impact failures.