Overview
An aircraft carrying a pilot and one passenger impacted a ravine in remote, open range land near Jeffrey City, Wyoming. The flight originated from Lander, Wyoming, with the intent to hunt coyotes at a ranch in the Bison Basin area. There is no record of a weather briefing or flight plan having been filed by the pilot.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft struck a ravine in a near-vertical attitude while in close proximity to overhead powerlines. Examination of the powerlines revealed they had not been severed or stretched, and no evidence of electrical arcing or wire transfer marks was found on the aircraft.
Aircraft and Equipment
Inside the rear of the aircraft, a shotgun was recovered with its breech open and chambers empty. The weapon had not been discharged. The passenger was wearing heavy winter mittens at the time of the incident.
Investigation Findings
The investigation documented the aircraft's impact attitude and the absence of damage to nearby powerlines. No additional causal factors or contributing elements were identified in the source material.