What happened
The pilot and a business client departed Salt Lake City on the morning of the accident with plans to fly to Elko, Nevada, to collect an associate for a meeting. Instead of proceeding to Elko, the aircraft diverted to Wendover Airport.
FAA records show that during weather briefings, the pilot was advised against VFR flight due to AIRMETs for icing and mountain obscuration. At the time of departure from Wendover, the mountains to the east and west were obscured by clouds.
While flying the return leg to Salt Lake City, the pilot contacted Flight Watch to request assistance. The pilot reported being in instrument conditions and expressed feelings of disorientation, stating he believed the aircraft was flying upside down. At 1515, radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
A search for the missing aircraft was conducted, though deteriorating weather conditions hindered efforts. The wreckage was located early the following morning. Investigators found that the outboard section of the right wing had separated in flight, with the debris located 400 yards from the main wreckage site.