Incident Overview
At approximately noon, during a cross-country flight under benign visual meteorological conditions, the pilot lost control of her airplane. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted terrain at an elevation of 9,200 feet mean sea level in a nearly vertical, nose-down attitude. The wreckage was not located for several days.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot had accumulated about 1,700 total flight hours, of which approximately 1,600 hours were in the accident model of airplane. She was a current pilot. The airplane was not equipped with an autopilot or any wing-leveling device. No en route communications between the pilot and any FAA facility occurred.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage at the scene revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction with the airframe or engine. The continuity of the airplane's flight control system was confirmed.
Witness Observations
Three witnesses who observed the pilot prior to departure indicated that she did not appear physically well. One witness stated the pilot had a "flushed" look on her face and bags under her eyes. Another witness reported that the pilot "did not look normal." A third witness said the pilot "did not look well."
Toxicology Findings
Toxicological examination revealed the presence of a readily available over-the-counter decongestant in body tissue; however, no blood level for the drug was ascertained. The drug's involvement remains undetermined.