Departure During Winter Storm
According to witnesses, a lineman at the airport observed the pilot preparing to depart during a winter storm moving through the area. The lineman remarked that "nobody in their right mind would try flying at that time" and compared the conditions to being "in the eye of a hurricane." The pilot stated he needed to get back to work and intended to "scud run" to his destination, about 103 miles south, but would turn around if unable to continue. The lineman warned the pilot that every year two or three airplanes try to scud run and "they run into the mountains."
Pilot's Qualifications and Preflight Actions
The pilot informed the lineman that he was instrument rated but not current. Before departure, another lineman brushed frost off the aircraft's wings. However, the pilot took off before all frost could be removed. The aircraft then disappeared into clouds about a mile south of the airport.
Wreckage Location and Radar Data
The wreckage was located the following day in a canyon. Radar data indicated that after departure, the airplane tracked along an interstate highway before turning left and entering the canyon. As it proceeded further east into the canyon, the aircraft made four consecutive climbing left turns, after which radar contact was lost.