Flight Details
On the morning of the accident, a pilot and a business client departed Salt Lake City, planning to fly to Elko, Nevada, to pick up another business associate and return for a meeting. However, according to a supervisor at the Wendover Airport, the aircraft diverted to Wendover instead.
Weather and Briefing
FAA records indicate that the pilot was advised during each of his weather briefings that VFR flight was not recommended, with AIRMETs for icing and mountain obscuration. At the time of departure from Wendover, the mountains to the east and west were obscured.
Loss of Contact
During the return flight to Salt Lake City, the pilot contacted Flight Watch requesting assistance. He advised the briefer that he was in instrument conditions, stating that he felt disoriented and thought he was flying upside down. At 1515, radio and radar contact with the pilot were subsequently lost. The search for the missing aircraft was hampered due to deteriorating weather conditions in the area.
Wreckage
The wreckage was located early the following morning. The outboard section of the right wing separated in flight and was found 400 yards from the main wreckage.