What happened
On a Sunday evening, the pilot of a PA-46 departed Twin Falls, Idaho, at approximately 22:30. The flight path included a stop in Boise, Idaho, via Ely, Nevada, before the aircraft turned back toward the direction of Twin Falls. During the return leg, the pilot maintained intermittent radio communication with approach control. While following radar vectors and instructions for descent, the pilot reported passing through 11,000 feet. Approximately 38 seconds later, a final radio transmission indicated the aircraft was at 6,000 feet. Shortly thereafter, radar contact was lost, and the aircraft struck the ground at an elevation of 4,650 feet.
Findings
Investigations into the crash revealed that there were no mechanical failures or pre-impact malfunctions involving the aircraft. However, toxicology analysis of the pilot's lung and muscle tissue indicated significant levels of alcohol, with measurements of 175 mg/dl and 117 mg/dl. Prior to the flight, the pilot had been involved in a legal incident and had expressed intentions to crash the aircraft during a conversation with an acquaintance. The pilot also possessed a firearm in the vehicle during a meeting held shortly before departure.