Accident Overview
The accident occurred after the airplane made an unscheduled stop due to weather conditions. Following departure, the flight proceeded north toward mountainous terrain. No information about the subsequent route was obtained after the airplane left the airport environment.
Wreckage Location and Debris Path
The wreckage was found approximately 140 feet from the top of a 1,220-foot ridgeline, about 10 miles east of the departure airport. The debris path began with freshly broken tree branches at the top of a 60-foot tree. A path of broken branches approximately 340 feet long connected the initial tree strikes to the main wreckage. The debris path followed a magnetic heading of 140 degrees with a downward angle of about 2 degrees.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the ridgeline was obscured by clouds, and visibility was approximately 500 feet.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions with either the airframe or the engine.