On 1/8/43 at about 3:30pm, student aviation cadet Walter John Kania took off on a routine solo practice flight in the area around Bishop, California and failed to return. The wreckage of his Vultee BT-13A Valiant #41-21786 USAAF was located on 1/14/43 in the Owens River Gorge northwest of Bishop. The student pilot was killed in the accident. Damage to the aircraft and marks on the ground indicate that the airplane was in a nearly horizontal flight in approximately a 45-degree bank when it impacted the west slope of the gorge about a fifty feet below the rim. It is believed that the pilot was flying either in or very low over the gorge. The location of the crash site being on the leeward side of sloping terrain where prominent downdrafts prevail are believed to be contributory causes of the accident.

Heading north on Hwy 395 just past the town of Bishop. This will be my third attempt at locating the crash site of this BT-13 Valiant.

Hiking towards the edge of the gorge which is just past the trees.

Looking north up the gorge as I hike along the slope just below the rim. While searching the area, I could just imagine the student pilot getting caught in down air while flying up the gorge. He must had tried a 180 thinking at he would clear the slope.

After hiking along the slope for a couple of hours, I spotted something shiny through the trees.

Zoomed in could tell it was aluminum.

After hiking down a short way, I came upon what looks like the BT's impact spot.

There were some small pieces of wreakage in this area.

More small pieces. One of the engine's valve pushrods at center.

This part has a Vultee inspection stamp.