Overview
A cargo flight scheduled to arrive at its destination airport at 1945 did not arrive. When the operator became concerned, he reported the overdue airplane to the local FAA Flight Service Station. The subsequent search efforts led to the discovery of the airplane's wreckage the following morning.
Search and Recovery
After the search for the missing airplane was initiated, an orbiting satellite identified an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal in the vicinity of the downed airplane. The following morning, a ground search party located the wreckage at the 1,400-foot level of Penitentiary Mountain.
Weather and Pilot Actions
A review of weather data and witness accounts revealed that low ceilings were present at the accident site at the approximate time of the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan nor received a recent weather briefing before departing on the last leg of the flight.
Mechanical Examination
No mechanical problems were discovered during the post-crash examination of the airplane.