Summary
On September 19, 2014, about 0754 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 162 light sport airplane, registration N3037H, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain about 6 miles east of Borrego Valley Airport (L08) in Borrego Springs, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was operated under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and no flight plan was filed.
Accident Details
The flight departed Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM) in Palm Springs, California, at about 0709. After the pilot failed to return, the FAA issued an ALNOT for the missing airplane. A search ensued, and the following morning a Civil Air Patrol airplane located the wreckage on a hillside near Borrego Springs.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The two-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear airplane (serial number 1620115) was manufactured in 2011 and powered by a Continental O-200 D1 engine rated at 100 horsepower. The annual inspection was completed on August 19, 2014, at an airframe total time of 1,344 hours. The airplane's weight and balance at the time of the accident were within prescribed limits.
The pilot, age 69, held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine and helicopter ratings. He was issued a first-class medical certificate on May 1, 1978, with no limitations. At that time, he reported 135 total flight hours. A recent logbook indicated he flew the accident airplane for about 19.4 hours (mostly with an instructor) since May 2, 2014.
Flight Data Recorder Analysis
The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G300 Integrated Cockpit System with flight data logging via SD memory cards. The pilot's display SD card was recovered and the data were downloaded. The recording showed that after takeoff, the airplane made a right turn and flew between 2,000 and 3,000 feet msl for about 20 minutes. It then made another right turn toward Borrego Springs, overflew L08, and entered the traffic pattern. At 0745, the airplane performed a touch-and-go landing. After departing L08, it climbed and turned right, maneuvering for about 10 minutes before data stopped at 0754.
During the final minute, the airplane was initially at about 2,200 feet msl and 65 knots indicated airspeed. It then pitched up to 7 degrees nose high with 5 degrees left bank. Pitch increased to a maximum of 28 degrees nose high while airspeed decreased to a minimum of 38 knots. Engine rpm remained steady at about 2,200 rpm. Subsequently, pitch decreased to a maximum of 69 degrees nose low before stabilizing at about 30 degrees nose low. Altitude decreased at about 4,500 feet per minute. The bank went from 76 degrees left to 75 degrees right in about one second and then stabilized at about 10 degrees right. A spin of 360 degrees about every 2 seconds was recorded during the final 20 seconds, with airspeed between 40-50 knots and engine rpm between 1,800-2,100 rpm.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane impacted into the side of elevated terrain at about 596 feet, leaving no debris trail except the nose gear strut and tire located about 20 feet below. The wreckage came to rest inverted on a heading of about 255 degrees magnetic. Both wings were partially attached; the left wing was bent downward about 45 degrees and the right wing sustained compression damage. The fuselage was bent at several locations. Flight control continuity could not be established on site due to the precarious position, but all control surfaces remained attached except the right aileron, which was attached only by its outer attachment point. The flaps were up and stabilizer trim was about ½ inch down from neutral. No evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Post-recovery examination confirmed flight control continuity and engine integrity: rotation continuity was established, compression was attained on all cylinders, magnetos produced spark, and the carburetor exhibited no anomalies. The propeller blades were fractured or cracked.
Meteorological Information
At 0752, the automated weather observation at TRM (about 19 miles northeast of the accident site) reported wind from 320 degrees at 11 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 27°C, dew point 16°C, and altimeter setting 29.75 inches of mercury.
Medical Information
An autopsy conducted on September 21, 2014, by the San Diego County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicology tests by the FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute detected salicylate (found in aspirin and some foods) in the urine; other tests for cyanide, volatiles, and drugs were negative.