Flight and Pilot Information
The pilot, a non-instrument rated private pilot, had been airborne for approximately 3 hours. According to radar data, he descended from 15,500 feet to 14,300 feet to cross the continental divide at Gannett Peak, which has an elevation of 13,804 feet. The descent was attributed to weather conditions.
Descent and Weather Conditions
Radar data indicated that approximately 20 seconds after reaching 14,300 feet, the airplane entered a rate of descent of about 4,200 feet per minute. Satellite imagery and NEXRAD Doppler data, as analyzed by an NTSB meteorologist, suggested that at the pilot's ground track location, the mountain was experiencing light to intermittent snow showers.
Pilot Training and Aircraft Examination
No endorsements were found in the pilot's flight logbook to indicate that he had received any mountain flying training. Search and rescue teams located the airplane three days later. An examination of the wreckage found no evidence of a mechanical failure.