Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command's failure to touch down at the proper landing point on the road. A factor contributing to the accident was high density altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while maneuvering, he encountered downdrafts resulting in a loss of altitude and airspeed. The pilot then initiated a precautionary landing on a nearby road during which 'the right main touched down just short of the road.' the pilot then lost control of the aircraft and it came to rest after impacting a barbed wire fence. The pilot estimated a temperature of 65 degrees fahrenheit at the crash site (8,500 feet msl) and the density altitude was estimated at 11,500 feet. Surface weather observations at rawlins and laramie (west and east of the site respectively) reported strong (20 knot) southwesterly winds at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
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