Feb 19, 1996
Accident
Destroyed LEE VINING, CA
Injuries1 fatal
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsIMC
OperationFAR 091
Probable Cause
Fuel starvation due to the pilot's failure to adequate monitor the aircraft's fuel system and select a tank containing fuel in a timely manner. The pilot's failure to monitor the fuel system was due to the effects of hypoxia. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, his inadequate preflight planning/in-flight decisions, and his lack of familiarity with the mountains.
NTSB LAX96FA119