Overview
An airplane operating a cross-country flight from Carlsbad, California, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, impacted wooded mountainous terrain while approximately 30 miles from the destination airport. The accident occurred at an elevation of about 9,200 feet, roughly 200 feet below the crest of a ridge line.
Flight Details
The flight was en route from Carlsbad, CA, to Santa Fe, NM. The impact heading was consistent with the planned route of flight.
Terrain and Visibility
The accident site was located in a mountainous, wooded area. The lights of Santa Fe should have been visible to the pilot from over the ridge crest, indicating that the pilot was flying below the line of sight to the city at the time of impact.
Aircraft Condition
A post-accident examination revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. The aircraft was found to have impacted the terrain in a controlled manner with no evidence of mechanical issues.
Pilot Background
The pilot's most recent application for a medical certificate was denied on October 31, 1989. The denial occurred because the pilot did not provide all required information.