Accident Overview
On Christmas Eve, a recently certificated private pilot who was not instrument rated departed Bullhead for a nighttime flight to Phoenix. The purpose of the trip was to allow the passenger to connect with an 0800 airline flight home. After takeoff, the pilot navigated southeasterly for approximately 23 nautical miles.
Loss of Control
Flying away from city lights over desert terrain, the pilot became spatially disoriented and subsequently lost control of the aircraft. The airplane then descended at a high rate of speed and impacted terrain while in a bank of at least 60 degrees. No witnesses were present at the crash site.
Weather Conditions
Individuals located 6 miles east of the accident site reported that at the time of the accident the area was foggy with visibility of 2 miles and light rain.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot's spatial disorientation led to a loss of control. The aircraft was not equipped for instrument flight, and the pilot lacked an instrument rating.