Flight Details
The pilot had just completed a flight from Farmington, New Mexico, to Phoenix, Arizona (PHX), where she deplaned her passenger. She then departed from Phoenix en route to Mesa, Arizona (FFZ).
ATC Communications
After takeoff, the local controller instructed the pilot to turn right to a heading of 300 degrees and to turn on the transponder; the pilot complied. Shortly thereafter, the local controller instructed the pilot to contact the departure controller. The pilot did not acknowledge or comply with these instructions.
Accident Sequence
Ground witnesses reported that the airplane was flying at a low altitude when it pitched over and crashed. The investigation disclosed no evidence of any preimpact airframe or engine malfunctions.
Post-Crash Examination
The cabin entrance door was found to be open at impact, but the latching mechanism was in the locked position. The pilot's postmortem examination disclosed that she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and that her right arm was extended at impact.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot's failure to acknowledge the instruction to contact departure control and the absence of seat belt use were noted.