Accident Overview
An aircraft accident occurred near Conchas Lake after a flight departed with four adults aboard—three brothers and one sister. The pilot had been giving rides to various family members, and the aircraft was observed flying in the area on several occasions. Reports indicated that the aircraft had 'buzzed' boats on the lake multiple times during the day.
Flight and Impact
The accident flight departed from runway 9 and traveled approximately three-quarters of a mile before impacting the desert terrain in a steep nose-down attitude.
Control System Examination
Examination of the throwover control wheel and its pivoting arm, which had separated, indicated that it was most probably positioned for use by the right-seat passenger, who was not a certificated pilot.
Pilot Toxicology
The pilot's muscle tissue alcohol level was 0.113.