Accident Sequence
At cruising altitude, the pilot reported an engine failure to air traffic control and received permission to divert to Red Bluff Airport for an emergency landing. While approaching Red Bluff-Bidwell Field, the pilot was unable to maintain a safe altitude. Due to insufficient airspeed, the airplane stalled and crashed in a field located several miles from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Probable Cause
Investigators determined the probable cause to be a powerplant failure for an undetermined reason and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed.