Incident Description
According to witnesses on a dune buggy and a Honda TRX 200, the aircraft was flying at low altitude in strong winds when it seemed to encounter turbulence and go out of control. Some witnesses stated that it temporarily leveled at about 200 feet above ground level (AGL). All agreed that the aircraft was at approximately 150 to 200 feet AGL when it entered a steep descent and crashed on desert terrain.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses provided varying estimates of the wind conditions. They estimated the wind was from 280 degrees at 40 knots, gusting to 50 knots. In contrast, an NTSB weather summary estimated the mean surface wind in the area as from 220 degrees at 22 knots, gusting to 40 knots, with probable moderate to severe turbulence and updrafts/downdrafts below 10,000 feet.
Aircraft Examination
An examination revealed that the aircraft impacted in a nose-low, nearly wings-level attitude. The propeller separated during impact and exhibited torsional overload indications. The propeller blades were twisted and had gouges on the leading edges.
Pilot Toxicology
A check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.147%.