Accident Overview
A pilot reported having no recollection of the accident sequence. Ground witnesses observed and heard the aircraft making an approach to the runway, coming from the river direction toward the south. The aircraft was seen with its landing gear extended. It then revved its engine, pulled up, and turned left. One witness stated that the aircraft stalled, after which it descended and impacted the ground across a ravine. A pilot-rated witness noted that the engine sounded normal throughout the entire sequence.
Weather and Runway
Weather conditions described by witnesses were conflicting. One witness reported clear skies with light winds of 2 knots from the west, while another stated winds of 25 knots from the east. The dirt airstrip is located on the west bank of the Colorado River, atop a small plateau bordered by ravines on the east, west, and north sides. The south end of the runway features rapidly rising terrain within half a mile.
Wreckage Location
The aircraft was found approximately 1,200 feet down the runway and 150 yards east of the runway centerline, across a ravine. It had impacted against the trunk of a 25-foot-tall tree on the opposite upslope side of the ravine.
Examination
Post-accident examination and disassembly of the engine and airframe revealed no discrepancies or anomalies.