History of Flight
On October 16, 2014, about 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N612SP, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain near Big Bear City Airport (L35), Big Bear, California. Sohail Air Ventures LLC was operating the rental airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight, which departed Corona, California, at an undetermined time with an intended destination of L35.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he intended to fly to L35 for lunch before returning to Corona. Before the flight, he verified the fuel level of each tank at 11 to 12 gallons and noted that the airplane's log sheet indicated 13 gallons should have been in each wing tank. The pilot further reported that he anticipated getting fuel at Big Bear and planned to fly directly above the box canyons west of the airport.
The pilot stated that thirty minutes into the flight, he noticed he could not maintain altitude above the canyons and the engine was losing power. Once inside a box canyon, he maintained a position on the left side with the intent to execute a right turn toward lower terrain. As the airplane continued to sink, he realized he did not have enough engine power to stay close to the mountain face. When he heard the stall warning horn, he decided to initiate a landing on top of the trees instead of stalling the airplane. He added that he had adjusted the mixture early in the flight, but events occurred too quickly for corrective adjustments immediately before the accident.
First responders confirmed that the wing fuel tanks were breached, and fuel had drained out through holes in the wings.
Meteorological Information
An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for L35, elevation 6,756 feet msl, located about 8 miles northeast of the accident site, issued at 1415, indicated wind from 260 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 miles or greater, sky clear, temperature 20°C, dew point -17°C, and altimeter setting 30.15 inches of mercury. The relative humidity was 7%.
A METAR for San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), elevation 1,159 feet msl, about 15 miles southwest of the accident site, issued at 1350, indicated wind calm, visibility 10 miles or greater, sky few at 5,000 feet, temperature 24°C, dew point 8°C, and altimeter setting 29.96 inches of mercury.
Additional Information
Neither the pilot nor the operator submitted an NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Tests and Research
Examination of the recovered wreckage was conducted on October 28, 2014, by representatives of the FAA, Cessna, and Lycoming Engines under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge.
Airframe
The electrical master switch was in the ON position. The ignition switch was in the BOTH position with the key inserted. The auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the ON position. Investigators determined the fuel selector valve was in the BOTH position. The gascolator contained clear blue fluid smelling of aviation gasoline; a water finding paste test showed no response, indicating no water contamination. The screen was clean.
Engine
Investigators manually rotated the crankshaft using a tool in the vacuum pump drive pad. The crankshaft rotated freely, and valves moved approximately the same lift in firing order. Accessory gears turned freely. Thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders in firing order. A borescope inspection revealed no mechanical deformation on valves, cylinder walls, or internal cylinder head. When each magneto drive shaft was rotated by hand, both magnetos produced spark at all posts.
The fuel pump's rubber diaphragm was intact, and the pump contained fluid consistent with aviation fuel in appearance and odor.
Propeller
The two blades were bent and twisted. Both blades exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise striations.
No evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine was found that would have precluded normal operation. For further information, see the NTSB Airframe and Engine Examination Notes within the public docket for this accident.