What happened
Following reports that the airplane was missing, the Civil Air Patrol located wreckage in mountainous terrain near Mt. White and Whitehouse. The debris field spanned approximately 1.5 miles in length and 0.5 miles in width, with elevations ranging from 10,000 feet to 12,800 feet mean sea level.
National Track Analysis Program radar data tracked the flight from 12:52:27 until 18:56:17. During this period, the aircraft's altitude varied between 17,500 feet and 19,200 feet mean sea level, with ground speeds measured between 124 knots and 314 knots. The pilot had not filed a flight plan and had not obtained a weather briefing prior to the flight.
At the time of the accident, an Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) was in effect for occasional moderate turbulence below Flight Level 18,000 feet. Additionally, an AIRMET was active for moderate turbulence between FL180 and FL410, including possible mountain wave action. The final radar return for the aircraft occurred within these advisory areas.
The investigation
The wreckage distribution showed the right wing located 4,461 feet west of the main wreckage at an elevation of 11,175 feet mean sea level, while the left wing was found 2,772 feet west of the main wreckage at 11,500 feet mean sea level. The debris path originated at the right wing and moved east toward the main wreckage site. The propeller was located directly above the main wreckage at an estimated altitude of 12,800 feet.
The fuselage, engine, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator were not recovered, which prevented an examination of these components for anomalies. Similarly, the aircraft's vacuum, pitot-static, electrical, and powerplant systems could not be inspected. However, no evidence of fatigue cracking or preexisting fractures was found within the recovered wing structures.