http://english.pravda.ru/photo/report/fossett-3840
I have flown that area many times. He obviously was not aware of the clear air turbulence on the east side of the Sierra's.
Looks like he hit it head on and couldn't veer away. Mountain flying technique requires an approach at 45 degrees so you can get away if it hits you. I have been turned on edge multiple times in that area and hit on the top like a sledge hammer once - dropping over 3000 feet per minute.
You only do it wrong one time.
It's like flying into the water falling off the spillway of a dam.
The Sierras dam the wind from the west then it falls into Owens valley rather violently sometimes where he was. :(
Well at least he died doing what he loved. I should be so lucky.
That's what I always tell my friends to tell everybody if I bite the big one.
I hope it doesn't happen when I'm doing something I didn't really like to do. d*