Incident Overview
The accident occurred during cruise flight on a clear VFR day. The airplane collided with the top of a ridgeline while maintaining a wing and nose level attitude. A post-impact fire destroyed the fuselage and forward cockpit areas.
Pilot Background
According to family members, the pilot's normal workweek was Monday through Friday. He would leave his residence around 0530 each day to report to operations by 0600, returning home around 2030 after his shift, and going to bed around 2300.
Previous Fatigue Incidents
A captain who flew with the accident pilot during the pilot's initial training reported that the accident pilot had fallen asleep on two flights from Inyokern to Bishop, the general area of the accident. On the first occasion, the pilot stated he was tired and asked if he could sleep for a bit; on the second, he simply went to sleep. Both naps lasted between 20 and 30 minutes.
Dispatcher Observations
A dispatcher working the night shift on January 20 reported that the accident pilot was 2.5 hours late returning to Burbank. The pilot was scheduled to be back at 1700 but encountered adverse weather at Mammoth and did not return until 1930. The dispatcher described the pilot as looking "beat up," as if he had had a rough flight.
Aircraft Information
According to the operator, the airplane was equipped with an autopilot. Due to thermal damage, the autopilot was not recovered. No discrepancies were noted with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.