SNOWMASS, CO, USA
N8510P
PIPER PA-24-400
THE TWO AIRPLINE PILOTS TOLD FRIENDS THEY WERE GOING SIGHTSEEING. WHEN THEY FAILED TO RETURN AS PLANNED, A SEARCH WAS BEGUN. THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND 3 DAYS LATER. THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN FLYING UP THE WEST SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN PASS WHEN IT STRUCK A TREE AND IMPACTED DEEP SNOW AT ABOUT THE 11,200 FOOT LEVEL. AUTOPSIES INDICATED BOTH PILOTS SURVIVED THE IMPACT. ONE OF THE PILOTS ATTEMPTED TO SEEK HELP. HIS BODY WAS FOUND ONE MILE FROM THE WRECKAGE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FIRST AID OR SURVIVAL GEAR. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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