What happened
On February 6, 2013, a Cessna 172S, registration N328SP, crashed into mountains approximately 14 miles east of Minden, Nevada. The flight originated from Minden-Tahoe Airport, where the pilot had expressed a desire to fly before sunset.
Radio transmissions from the pilot indicated a taxi for runway 34 at 16:46 PST, followed by a departure to the east at 1 and 16:49 PST. The final radio communication occurred at 16:51 PST, stating a left downwind departure.
Radar data tracked the aircraft climbing to 11,400 feet MSL on an easterly course. At 17:07 PST, the aircraft performed a 180-degree turn to head west. Shortly thereafter, at 17:08:24 PST, the aircraft entered a rapid descent. The final radar return was recorded at 17:08:48 PST at 10,500 feet MSL near the crash site. The aircraft struck the terrain in a nose-down attitude, resulting in 1 fatality and the destruction of the airplane.
The investigation
Investigators located the wreckage on an 8-degree slope 1.5 miles below and west of Rice Peak. The area was covered in snow and populated with pine and juniper trees. The initial impact point was identified by fiberglass fragments and broken tree branches, with the main wreckage located 63 feet from the initial impact.
An examination of the engine and propeller revealed that the propeller and crankshaft flange had separated from the crankshaft, with fracture surfaces showing 45-degree shear angles. However, the engine was found to be in working order when rotated by hand, and all valves and push rods were intact. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were found that would have prevented normal operation of the aircraft.
Forensic examination of the pilot's iPhone 4 revealed recent communications regarding personal matters and his recent return from a security contract in Afghanistan. Toxicology results for the pilot were negative for alcohol and drugs.