On March 25, 1981, a Cessna 340 (registration N24MH) operated by J. C. Enterprises was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Maria, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The precise cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the pilot was performing aerobatics during the flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A solo flight from Santa Ana to Oakland ended in a fatal accident near Santa Maria after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled dive.
What happened
During a flight traveling from Santa Ana toward Oakland, the pilot experienced a loss of control while operating the aircraft. The plane transitioned into a steep dive and subsequently impacted the ground in an area north of Santa Maria. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire.
There was only one person on board during the flight. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Findings
Official investigations were unable to establish a definitive reason for the accident. However, it was noted that the pilot was engaged in aerobatic maneuvers at the time of the occurrence.
Probable cause
The precise cause of the crash remains undetermined, though the pilot was performing aerobatics during the flight.