What happened
On February 5, 2009, a Beech A36, registration N66819, crashed into hilly terrain near Avalon, California, resulting in 3 fatal injuries. The aircraft, operated by Skyblue USA LLC, departed Avalon’s Airport in the Sky at approximately 1639 PST, destined for John Wayne/Orange County Airport (S/NA).
At the time of the flight, the area was experiencing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with mist, low ceilings, and strong winds gusting to 26 knots. While the pilot had filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, it had not been activated. An airport manager observed the aircraft lift off, climb, and enter the clouds shortly after departure.
Radar data tracked the aircraft performing several maneuvers, including a 90-degree climbing left turn and a subsequent 180-degree right turn. During these maneuvers, the aircraft was recorded at altitudes as low as 400 feet above ground level. The aircraft then entered a descending left turn with a descent rate of 4,000 feet per minute. The final radar return showed the aircraft at 1,800 feet, approximately 1/4 nautical mile from the accident site.
Search crews located the wreckage on February 6. The aircraft had impacted the ground in a level, upright attitude, and a post-crash fire consumed much of the cabin and center wing sections. The wreckage was found in a canyon, with a debris path extending toward rising terrain.