October 13, 2004, Idaho Springs, Colo. / Cessna 182R

The airplane was destroyed and the ATP-rated pilot fatally injured on impacting mountainous terrain at 0738 Mountain time while maneuvering. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident; no flight plan had been filed for the cross-country flight that originated at Englewood, Colo., about 20 minutes earlier and was en route to Aspen, Colo. According to the Clear Creek County Sheriff, weather at the time of the accident was cold with a low overcast, and occasional light snow. Reported weather recorded at a nearby station included visibility of less than statute mile, snow and an overcast sky at 200 feet agl.