Incident Details
Prior to departure, the pilot informed maintenance personnel that the flight would be from Calgary, Canada to Vancouver, Canada. No radar data was available for the accident aircraft after takeoff or during the en route portion of the flight.
Witness Reports
At approximately 0755, local law enforcement received a telephone call from an individual who reported seeing a twin-engine airplane flying low near the Snake River. At approximately 0845, a second witness reported seeing a twin-engine airplane on the east side of the Salmon River at an estimated altitude between 200 and 500 feet above the ground, heading north-northwest while paralleling the river. The witness stated that he did not detect anything irregular about the engine, and the airplane disappeared out of sight as it continued in a north-northwest direction.
Wreckage Location and Condition
At 0930, the aircraft wreckage was located in a remote forested area. The beginning of the wreckage path was marked by multiple severed trees and extended approximately 555 feet on a southerly heading. Both wings were separated from the fuselage, and all fuel tanks were breached. The vertical stabilizer and rudder remained attached to the empennage, while the stabilator and elevator were separated. There was no post-impact fire.
Toxicology Results
Post-accident toxicology testing revealed a carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide) level of 17%, which would be expected to result in measurable impairment of cognitive function.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe, engine, and aircraft logbooks did not reveal any pre-existing anomalies that would have prevented normal operations.