The airplane was substantially damaged and its pilot fatally injured upon impact with terrain at about 0930 Mountain time. Visual conditions prevailed.
While it was on a right downwind leg for landing, ATC’s radio and visual contact with the airplane were lost. Shortly thereafter, the controller noticed a dust cloud on the surface southwest of the airport. Multiple witnesses observed the airplane’s final descent and resulting dust cloud from the impact; their view of the impact itself was blocked by vegetation.
