Pilot Had Requested Altitude Change To Stay Clear Of Clouds

The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident which occurred January 14, 2016 about 1745 mountain standard time (MST). A Beechcraft C-35 Bonanza, N2025D, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Meeker, Colorado.

According to the report the airplane had departed from Provo Municipal Airport (KPVU), Provo, Utah, enroute to Granby-Grand County Airport (KGNB), Granby, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No instrument flight plan had been filed.

According to preliminary information provided by the FAA, while enroute during the accident flight, the pilot requested flight following from air traffic and requested clearance to fly a higher altitude to stay clear of clouds. After receiving flight following, air traffic control queried the pilot on his change of route and altitude before noticing the airplane descend and losing radar and radio contact.

A search and rescue effort was activated and the airplane was found early the following morning in mountainous terrain.

(Image from file. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov