Accident Details
On a clear day with 15 miles visibility, a pilot flew to Carmel Valley Airport. Witnesses observed the aircraft descend to between 200 and 300 feet above ground level (650 and 750 feet mean sea level). The aircraft then flew past the airport; its ground track was initially parallel to the runway but approximately 570 feet south of Runway 29. Witnesses reported the aircraft was flying slowly.
After traveling about eight-tenths of a mile past the airport, the aircraft turned right and flew approximately six-tenths of a mile, heading toward the rising terrain of a box canyon. Just before impact, the aircraft began a left turn and collided with terrain that had a 40-degree upslope at an elevation of about 850 feet mean sea level.
Pilot and Aircraft Background
The pilot had flown the same aircraft to the same airport seven weeks earlier. A pilot examiner reported that the airport was clearly visible from the air and was not difficult to locate, especially after having been there once.
Mechanical Examination
An examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunction.