Accident Overview
Two pilots took off on an instructional flight to conduct a biennial flight review for the aircraft owner. The flight proceeded to a dirt airstrip situated on a saddleback between two mountain peaks near San Marcos. During the flight, the aircraft struck a boulder and crashed near the northeast end of the strip.
Investigation Findings
No known witnesses were present at the time of the accident. Investigators found evidence that the aircraft had been making a low pass over the strip on a northeasterly heading before it struck the boulder. The aircraft came to rest approximately 30 feet northeast of the boulder with extensive damage.
Examination of the propeller blades revealed chordwise scoring and massive smearing or leading edge damage. No preimpact mechanical problem was evident. An inspection of the runway showed no indication that the aircraft had touched down before impact.
Damage
The aircraft sustained extensive damage as a result of the crash.
Operations
Evidence was inconclusive as to which pilot was manipulating the controls when the accident occurred. The owner was considered the pilot-in-command for the flight.