2017 Socata TB-20 Trinidad Collision with Terrain in California (N28070)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On April 17, 2017, at approximately 1610 Pacific daylight time, a Socata TB-20 Trinidad airplane, registration N28070, was destroyed when it struck remote, tree-covered mountainous terrain. The impact occurred about 5.5 nautical miles southwest of Sierraville, California. The noninstrument-rated private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The aircraft was registered to the pilot and a co-owner and was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) were present in the area, and no flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight. The flight originated from Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK) at approximately 1550 and was destined for Petaluma Airport (O69).