Airplane Collides with Hilly Terrain During Cross-Country Flight (N9015S)

Collision Sequence

During a cross-country flight, the airplane collided with hilly terrain. Impact signatures indicate that the airplane struck a hill in level flight, approximately 120 feet below the ridge line. After the initial impact, the airplane continued up the hill, then became airborne and traveled another 190 feet through power lines. The power lines separated the left wing and ruddevator. The airplane then continued over the crest, impacting the ground and sliding down the opposite side of the hill. The engine continued across a valley, impacting another hill. The remainder of the fuselage was destroyed by fire.

Post-Crash Examination

During the post-crash investigation, there was no evidence to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.