Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, departed Imperial, California, at 2010 Pacific Daylight Time. Shortly after departure, a United States Customs special mission aircraft identified and followed the aircraft. The pursuit continued to Deming, New Mexico. During this portion of the flight, the aircraft's altitude varied between approximately 500 feet above ground level and 16,000 feet mean sea level. At one point, the pilot flew the aircraft near its stall speed. While en route, the pilot flew in and out of clouds.
Upon arriving over Deming, the pilot executed two 360-degree turns and was observed in a descending spiral through 9,000 feet. The aircraft continued flying until it impacted a 5,200-foot mountain located about 23 miles east of Columbus, New Mexico, at an elevation of approximately 4,750 feet. The impact occurred while the aircraft was in straight and level flight.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 40 miles east-southeast at El Paso, Texas, the weather at 0248 Mountain Daylight Time was reported as: 800 feet scattered clouds, 3,300 feet broken clouds, visibility 7 miles, with an elevation of 3,956 feet. The area forecast called for scattered thunderstorms and rain showers, with mountains occasionally obscured.
Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical problem.