Incident Details
A flight instructor reported that a pilot had checked out an aircraft for a local night flight, intending to conduct a sightseeing flight with a friend in the area. The pilot stated he would remain within the local region. When the aircraft did not return at the expected time, a search operation was initiated.
The search concluded the following morning when the aircraft was discovered in a remote wilderness area. The wreckage was located 17 miles south of the Canadian/U.S. border, situated in a deep, narrow canyon within mountainous terrain.
Wreckage Description
The wreckage was found partially submerged in a river. Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft had come to rest in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude. Investigators observed rearward crushing along the entire length of the leading edges of both wings.
Investigation Findings
During the post-accident investigation, no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. The cause of the accident was not determined from the available evidence.