Incident Overview
An airplane conducting a private pilot certification practical flight test experienced a near-vertical descent to ground impact. The accident occurred in a practice area, with no witnesses to the event. The examiner and the private pilot applicant had departed to the practice area for the check ride. Passers-by observed a fire and wreckage resembling an airplane and notified authorities.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed a vertical impact that drove the engine up and aft beyond the firewall into the cabin area. The engine compartment and fuselage sustained heavy damage from a ground fire. The right wing leading edge exhibited accordion-style crush deformation nearly perpendicular to the chord line, extending aft to the main spar at approximately a 30-degree angle from inboard to outboard. Evidence indicated the airplane rotated to the left during the event.
Mechanical Findings
No discrepancies were found with the airframe or engine during the post-accident examination. The investigation did not identify any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Additional Details
The accident occurred during a practical test for a private pilot certificate. No other information regarding the aircraft, occupants, or environmental conditions was provided in the source material.