Accident Details
The airplane collided with a 60-degree canyon wall near a location known as 'Party Rock Point.' The collision occurred at an unspecified time. According to a sheriff's helicopter pilot who arrived about 15 minutes after the accident, the weather at the site was clear with 10 miles visibility and wind from the southwest (up canyon).
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 21, held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land, sea, and instrument. He was a senior engineering student aiming to become an aerospace engineer. The pilot had an eye condition and had undergone two prior extraocular muscle surgeries.
Aircraft and Witness Observations
The pilot rented the airplane for a local area flight. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane descending at approximately 45 degrees with high engine power into mountainous terrain. The airplane's wing structure was accordioned from leading edge to trailing edge, as was the fuselage. The tachometer needle was imprinted onto the instrument face at 2,650 rpm; the redline is 2,550 rpm.
Post-Accident Findings
No mechanical discrepancies were found with the airplane.