Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB SEA08LA058

Corsario MK-5 — Perris, CA

1 fatal Low-time pilotLow altitude
DateJanuary 10, 2008
LocationPerris, CA
AircraftCorsario MK-5 (amateur-built)
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceManeuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age68
Pilot total time157 hrs · Low time
Time in type37 hrs
Fatalities1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering.

NTSB findings

  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Not specified
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

What happened

The experimental amateur built amphibian airplane impacted hilly terrain within a sparsely populated area during daytime visual meteorological conditions. The wreckage site was near a lake and on scene documentation by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector indicated that the airplane was maneuvering at low level within sight of the lake shore when the left wing contacted terrain, followed by the fuselage. No radio transmissions were received by the pilot nor were there any witnesses to the accident sequence. A post accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have suggested mechanical malfunction or failure. After the initial on-scene examinations by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the wreckage recovery was delayed due to weather. Once access to the site was obtained, the recovery crew indicated that the majority of the wreckage had been removed and its disposition is unknown.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →