Accident Details
Date
Monday, May 19, 2008
NTSB Number
LAX08CA150
Location
Rockport, CA
Event ID
20080620X00889
Coordinates
39.731388, -123.823890
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's performance of VFR flight into IMC, resulting in failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the fog.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N90930
Make
BELLANCA
Serial Number
431-73
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
STEPHENS SCOTT D
Address
6300 ACORN HOLLOW
Status
Deregistered
City
VINA
State / Zip Code
CA 96092
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot took off from a dirt airstrip with 1/2-mile visibility to the west due to ocean fog. The pilot flew into the fog, he then turned south. However, he continued into more fog, so he turned east. When he came out of the fog, he did not have enough altitude to clear trees on top of mountainous terrain ahead. He clipped some trees with the landing gear and impacted on a hilltop, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA150