Accident Details
A pilot from the Netherlands, who had just completed a 40-minute checkout flight with a certified flight instructor, took off with three passengers for a local flight. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crashed in a north-south oriented ravine within mountainous, hilly terrain. The impact site was on the eastern slope of the valley at an elevation of approximately 1100 feet.
Wreckage and Evidence
Upon impact, the engine became buried in dirt, and the aircraft caught fire. Examination of the propeller revealed chordwise scratches and S-curling on both blades. Investigators found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported observing a single-engine aircraft flying at low altitude within the ravines. Moments later, they heard the sound of the crash and subsequently saw smoke and fire emanating from the accident site.
Weight Analysis
An analysis of the aircraft's loading determined that it was approximately 48 pounds above its maximum certified weight limit at the time of the accident.