What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-09 involved a Mooney M20A, registration N1088B, at Marysvale, UT.

Airplane Found on Mountain Ridge Near Peak at High Elevation (N1088B)

On August 9, 2002, a Mooney M20A (registration N1088B) was involved in an aviation accident near Marysvale, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's poor in-flight decision to fly so close to the ridge (looking for animals). Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain condition, the downdraft weather conditions in high mountains, and the high density altitude weather condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

An airplane was discovered on a mountain ridge at 11,814 feet elevation, oriented 330 degrees, approximately 800 feet from a 12,175-foot peak. Family reported the pilot's habit of flying near the ridge to look for animals. Campers noted westerly winds at 10-15 knots with gusts over 20 knots; density altitude was 14,668 feet.

Discovery

The airplane was located on a mountain ridge at an elevation of 11,814 feet. The aircraft was oriented at 330 degrees, and the position was about 800 feet from a mountain peak with an elevation of 12,175 feet.

Background

According to family members, the pilot commonly flew near the ridge "looking for animals." No further details about the pilot or the purpose of the flight were provided in the source.

Witness Statements

Two men who were camping nearby reported that the wind was out of the west at 10 to 15 knots, with gusts exceeding 20 knots, at the time of the accident.

Environmental Conditions

The density altitude at the accident location was calculated to be 14,668 feet. No other weather information or time of day was specified in the source.

No information regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, damage, or ATC involvement was included in the source.

Weather

2002-08-09: Mooney M20A (N1088B) — Marysvale, UT