Accident Sequence
Numerous witnesses, some as far as 25 miles from the accident site, reported observing a low-flying airplane matching the description of the accident airplane. The airplane was seen descending to near the surface of a reservoir, continuing for several miles, then pulling up and striking four aluminum high tension power lines that spanned the width of the reservoir. The cables were 1/2 inch in diameter and unmarked; no regulations require them to be marked. Three lines carried 26,000 volts, and the ground (static) line carried 12,000 volts. The distance between supporting structures was 1,245 feet, with the low point of the drooping cables approximately 250 feet above the water's surface. The collision occurred while the airplane was flying towards a setting sun.
Pilots and Aircraft
Both pilots held commercial pilot certificates, instrument ratings, and flight instructor ratings. The airplane was equipped with dual flight controls; therefore, which pilot was serving as pilot-in-command during the flight is not known.
Investigation Findings
The medical examiner found a piece of paper clutched in the first pilot's (left seat) fist. The paper was later identified as a portion of the Denver Sectional Chart, depicting an area just north of the accident site. According to the pathologist, the injuries exhibited by the second pilot (right seat) were consistent with being at the controls of the airplane, while those exhibited by the first pilot were not consistent with being at the controls. Toxicological screening revealed tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana) in the second pilot's blood (0.0096 ug/ml) and urine (0.0768 ug/ml). The first pilot tested negative for drugs and alcohol.