Mountain Wreckage Recovery and Radar Analysis of Missing Aircraft (N6807R)

Wreckage Location and Debris Path The aircraft was reported missing, and the Civil Air Patrol located the wreckage near Mt. Whitehouse. A debris path approximately 1/2 mile wide and 1 1/2 miles long was found in mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 10,000 to 12,800 feet mean sea level. The right wing was recovered 4,461 feet (0.8 miles) west of the main wreckage at 11,175 feet MSL, while the left wing was found 2,772 feet (0.5 miles) west at 11,500 feet MSL. The debris path began with the right wing and extended eastward toward the main wreckage. A propeller was located directly above the main wreckage at an estimated altitude of 12,800 feet MSL. The fuselage, engine, propeller, horizontal stabilizer, and elevator were not recovered and could not be examined for anomalies. ## Radar Data and Flight Profile National Track Analysis Program radar data depicted the accident flight from 1252:27 until 1856:17. During this period, the altitude varied from 17,500 to 19,200 feet MSL, and ground speed was measured between 124 and 314 knots. No flight plan had been filed, and no weather briefing had been obtained by the pilot. ## Weather Conditions and Advisory Areas An Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) for occasional moderate turbulence below FL180 (18,000 feet) was valid, and the last radar return from the aircraft was located within this advisory area. Additionally, an AIRMET for occasional moderate turbulence between FL180 and FL410 and possible mountain wave action had been issued, with the last radar return also located within this advisory area. ## Examination Findings The aircraft's systems, including vacuum, pitot static, electrical, and powerplant, could not be examined for anomalies due to non-recovery of key components. No evidence of fatigue cracking or other preexisting fracture was noted within the recovered wings. No record of a preflight or in-flight weather briefing obtained by the pilot was located.