Introduction
Several friends volunteered to help the pilot locate stray cattle. According to a surviving passenger, the pilot flew the airplane toward some cowboys on horseback waiting on a bluff with the intention of dropping a message containing directions to some strays.
Flight Details
As the airplane approached the bluff approximately 100 feet above the terrain, it suddenly sank 'like we hit a downdraft,' and the pilot banked hard to the right to avoid the bluff. The airplane encountered another downdraft, dropped 30 to 40 feet, and struck a rocky slope.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane had not received an annual inspection since May 1, 1995. The ELT batteries expired on March 31, 1995. The pilot's last medical certificate was issued February 27, 1995.
Toxicology Findings
According to the toxicology reports, the pilot tested positive for alcohol, barbiturates, and quinine.