At about 2050 Pacific time, the airplane impacted mountainous terrain and was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The commercial pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. Visual night conditions prevailed.
The pilot’s family reported the airplane overdue and the wreckage was subsequently located by air units on April 18 approximately 18 nm southeast of the flight’s intended destination. The wreckage was approximately 200 feet below the top of the ridgeline, at an elevation of about 8570 feet msl. All major structural components of the airplane were located within the debris field.
