On July 27, 2000, a Mooney M20K (registration N252KD) operated by Keith E. Duvall was involved in an aviation accident near Cheyenne, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the airplane's in-flight collision with hilly terrain for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane struck a ridge, crossed it, and crashed into a valley, sparking a 4,000-acre wildfire. No witnesses or distress calls were reported.
Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane impacted terrain just below the crest of a 100-foot ridge, then cleared the ridge and descended into the valley on the opposite side. The post-crash fire consumed the aircraft and ignited approximately 4,000 acres of grass and brush.
Investigation Details
No witnesses observed the accident, and no distress calls were received from the commercial pilot. Visual meteorological conditions were present at the time of the event.
Aircraft and Powerplant Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed no anomalies. The propeller showed evidence of engine power at the moment of impact.