Accident Details
The pilot and two passengers were en route to Hood River, Oregon, during a night with dark, low overcast conditions. Radar data showed that the airplane traveled along the Columbia River, which is flanked by mountainous terrain. The last radar return recorded the aircraft at an altitude of 2,500 feet near North Bonneville, Washington.
Search and Recovery
Family members reported the airplane overdue, and no signal from the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was received. The following day, search and rescue personnel located the airplane on a ridge approximately 5 nautical miles from its intended destination. There were no survivors.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact engine or airframe anomalies that might have affected the airplane's performance. The cause of the accident remains undetermined.