Overview
Prior to departure, the pilot, who was not instrument rated, obtained two weather briefings. Both briefings advised that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended. Along the planned route, AIRMETs indicated instrument meteorological conditions (IFR), mountain obscurement, turbulence, and icing conditions. Density altitude at the time was calculated to be 13,248 feet.
Weather Conditions
Surface analysis data revealed that rising terrain at the north end of the Chalk Mountains was obscured by clouds. An area of low pressure was located over Colorado, with a weak cold front extending from central Nevada and Utah to the Wyoming-Colorado border.
Search and Recovery
When the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination later that day, an ALNOT (Alert Notice) was issued. The aircraft was located on the morning of April 7 in a snow chute area on a 35-degree inclining slope on the east side of Chalk Peak in the San Juan Mountains east of Durango. Immediate travel to the accident site was delayed due to avalanche conditions and high snow levels.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction.