Single-Engine Aircraft Crash on Gently Rising Terrain (N54FC)

Accident Overview and Wreckage Location Witnesses reported that the single-engine airplane took off into the dark night on a bearing of 340 degrees. The following morning, the wreckage was located approximately three miles from the departure end of the runway. The site was on gently rising terrain at an elevation of 2,978 feet MSL, while the departure airport had an elevation of 2,381 feet MSL. ## Damage and Examination Findings The aircraft was found severely fragmented along a 625-foot energy path with a bearing of 360 degrees. All components of the aircraft were recovered within that energy path. A field examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact anomalies. ## Flight Controls and Pilot Factors Flight control continuity could not be established because of the fragmentation of the airframe. However, the control cables were examined, and each exhibited overload in the segments that were broken. Toxicology tests on the pilot were negative, and an autopsy found no pre-existing medical conditions that would have contributed to the accident. The estimated weight and balance for the airplane was within limits.