Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's unexpected encounter with a downdraft while flying at an improper altitude in mountainous terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 7, 1994, about 1400 hours Pacific daylight time, a Hayes/Pietenpol Air Camper homebuilt aircraft, N76TC, crashed while maneuvering near Blythe, California. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, was destroyed. The certificated private pilot and passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Blythe.
According to the pilot, he was assisting in a search for a missing person. The pilot indicated that while maneuvering over the desert he encountered a downdraft and collided with the terrain. He did not indicate any mechanical malfunction.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX94LA242