Accident Overview
A pilot flying from Olathe, Kansas, to Jackson, Wyoming, was killed when his aircraft struck mountainous terrain near Casper, Wyoming. The accident occurred during the descent phase of the flight. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Circumstances
The pilot departed Olathe, Kansas, en route to Jackson, Wyoming. During the flight, he radioed the Denver En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS) and reported his position as 56 miles northwest of Casper, Wyoming. No further radio communication was received from the aircraft, which was identified by registration N114CM.
After the accident, the pilot’s wife stated that the pilot had a habit of taking a 'cat nap' when he flew. The pilot was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation findings, the accident was an in-flight collision with terrain during descent. The probable cause was attributed to the pilot’s improper aircraft handling, failure to maintain proper altitude, inattentiveness, and fatigue due to lack of sleep. The terrain condition—mountainous/hilly—was a factor in the accident.