February 23, Ely, Nev. / Cessna 172

At about 0830 Pacific time, a Cessna 172N struck mountains near Ely. The pilot and one passenger were killed. The nearest reporting station, 29 miles from the accident site, was reporting day VFR conditions, but weather at the accident site has not been determined. The operator reported that the pilot was taking a passenger to Little River and planned to return to Rifle the following day. When the flight did not arrive as scheduled, the family alerted the FAA. Authorities received an ELT signal in the vicinity of Ely and rescue personnel located the wreckage two days later in mountainous terrain about 9,000 feet msl. About four feet of snow covered the airplane.