Accident Overview
During a personal flight over Sequoia National Park, a noninstrument-rated pilot and three passengers departed for a sightseeing tour. The flight failed to return, prompting a search effort. Aerial searches were hampered by persistent cloud cover over the mountainous park.
Search and Recovery
Four days after departure, a military helicopter located the accident site at an elevation of approximately 5,900 feet msl. The site was situated in an area of tall timber with scattered snow patches. Park service officials reported that cloud cover existed over the accident area on the day of the crash, with cloud bases estimated at around 5,000 feet msl.
Wreckage Examination
Fragmented wreckage was scattered along a 090-degree magnetic heading over about 150 feet. A fire had consumed the center section of the aircraft. The leading edges of the wing panels exhibited near-perpendicular impact marks with 12- and 18-inch semicircular radii, dimensions similar to the surrounding trees. Tree bark transfers were observed within these impressions. The wing panels and landing gear were separated from their structural attachment points. One propeller blade showed light damage, while the other sustained major damage, including trailing edge "S" bending and a loss of 4 inches of blade tip.
Findings
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. The investigation concluded that the aircraft collided with trees and mountainous terrain during the flight.