19991210035949A

(.19) On December 10, 1999, approximately 1700 pacific standard time, a Cessna 140A, N5347C, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain near the mud flat ranch, 35 miles south of Harper, Oregon. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was believed to have last departed the crowley ranch, about twelve miles southeast, at 1630, with its destination caldwell, Idaho, the pilot's home. A rancher in the general area at the time observed heavy snow conditions. No flight plan was filed for the flight, which was to have been operated under 14 CFR 91. There was no fire. The ELT assisted in the location of the wreckage after the family reported the pilot missing on December 11. The airplane was found inverted at the end of a 70 foot long ground scar which was oriented along a 228 degree magnetic bearing to the airplane. Sheriff's GPS location of the wreckage was at 43 degrees 20.80 minutes north, 117 degrees 36.86 minutes west, with an elevation of 4535 feet MSL. The wreckage was located by sheriff personnel using a ground vehicle and the ELT signal. The nose of the airplane and the lower fuselage exhibited extensive crushing of the she et metal skin and bulkheads. The landing gear bulkheads (the gear box) and the associated structure were separated from the lower fuselage structure. Investigators noted a strong odor consistent with gasoline near the wreckage. None of the seat belts or shoulder harnesses were buckled, and there was no evidence of the attachment points being compromised or damaged. According to sheriff's deputies, the pilot's remains were found on the ground outside the right side of the airplane. (.4)the airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot fatally injured when the airplane collided with terrain in an isolated area of the state. It was believed to have departed a ranch, about twelve miles southwest, in what was described as 'heavy snow conditions.' No flight plan was filed for the flight, and there was no report of the pilot receiving a weather briefing in preparation for the flight. The nearest aviation weather reporting point was about 70 miles from the crash site. An AIRMET for mountain obcuration in the area was in effect at the time of the accident. Toxicological testing was performed by the FAA toxicological laboratory. Blood, brain, a ND urine toxicological samples were positive for amphetamine, and methamphetamine. (23)the aircraft collided with terrain near the mud flat ranch, 35 miles south of Harper, Oregon. A rancher in the general area at the time observed heavy snow conditions. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The emergency locator transmitter assisted in the location of the wreckage.