Flight Planning
At 0500, the pilot contacted the FAA's Denver Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) and asked the briefer for any reports of cloud tops in the Denver area. The briefer stated that the forecast called "for the tops layered to twenty four thousand" feet. The briefer indicated that weather in the Denver area was improving, but conditions in the Aspen area were not expected to improve until later in the day. The pilot did not obtain a full weather briefing and declined a briefing on adverse weather conditions.
At 0630, the pilot told a business associate about his situation. He called the associate again at 0659 and said that he was going to fly north to go around the weather.
Disappearance
The airplane was reported missing when it failed to arrive at its destination.
Wreckage Discovery
The next afternoon, a surveyor came upon the wreckage. The wreckage was located in rising, wooded terrain.
Witness Account
A witness residing approximately 1 mile uphill from the accident site reported hearing an airplane fly overhead at the approximate time of the accident. The witness stated that he heard the engine power "cut back" and then "power up" again. He described the sound as if the airplane was 200 to 300 feet above the ground, flying in a southeasterly direction. He was unable to see the airplane due to poor visibility, low clouds, and fog.
Weather Conditions
Weather recorded 3 nautical miles southwest of the accident site reported: wind 360 degrees at 8 knots; visibility less than 1/4 statute mile, light snow; sky condition overcast at 200 feet agl; temperature minus 5 degrees C.; dew point minus 6 degrees C.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.