Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a dark night, visual meteorological conditions, approximately 13 minutes into a cross-country flight. The airplane collided with rising mountainous terrain about 21 nautical miles southwest of the departure airport while climbing to cruise. The impact occurred in a near level flight attitude before the airplane descended and came to rest in a rock outcropping. The high-energy impact forces, coupled with extensive thermal damage, destroyed the airplane.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted under a VFR flight plan and received VFR flight following services from the Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. Radar data showed the airplane's course remained constant as it approached and impacted the mountain. Over the last 6 minutes of the flight, the airplane's average groundspeed was 100 knots, and its average rate of climb was 406 feet per minute. An average rate of climb of 600 feet per minute was required to clear the terrain along the flight path.
Terrain and Environmental Factors
The area lacked lighted roads or round structures that could provide ground reference. The moon's disk was only 1% illuminated, offering minimal ambient light. The terrain was rapidly rising, and the airplane impacted in a rock outcropping.
Aircraft and Systems
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 Integrated Cockpit System, which includes a multifunction color display capable of showing terrain elevation on the Terrain Proximity page. Due to extensive impact and thermal damage, it was not possible to determine if the pilot was using the display for topographic data during the ascent. Records indicate the pilot had received G1000 training. The G1000 Pilot's Guide includes a caution stating: "Use of Terrain Proximity information for primary terrain avoidance is prohibited. The Terrain Proximity Map is intended only to enhance situational awareness. It is the pilot's responsibility to provide terrain avoidance at all times."
Air Traffic Control
Air traffic control radar data showed the airplane was continuously visible to the controller on radar from departure until impact. The controller did not issue a terrain-related safety alert as required by a Federal Aviation Administration order because he did not observe a conflict with terrain.
Investigation Notes
The case was modified on January 27, 2009.