Overview
An airplane went missing after departing from Boulder, Colorado, en route to Center, Colorado. The aircraft was located nine days later in a heavily forested area on Hayden Pass, between Coaldale and Villa Grove, Colorado. It had collided with trees, and no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure was discovered.
Flight Details
The pilot had obtained a weather briefing before departure but did not file a flight plan. According to NTAP data, a radar target corresponding to the airplane departed Boulder at 0933. The target was tracked to the vicinity of the accident site, where radar contact was lost.
Accident Site
The wreckage was found at the 10,350-foot elevation of Hayden Pass, whose summit is 11,184 feet. The airplane had struck a tree, breaking off all limbs on one side, and came to rest at its base. Adjoining trees were undisturbed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, engine, or propeller.