Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB SEA08LA070
KIDD CHRIS HARMON ROC — Maricopa, CA
| Date | February 2, 2008 |
| Location | Maricopa, CA |
| Aircraft | KIDD CHRIS HARMON ROC (amateur-built) |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-low-alt flying Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 45 |
| Pilot total time | 2,600 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering in mountainous, hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident were hilly terrain, a low ceiling and gusty winds.
NTSB findings
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Not specified - F
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation - F
- Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low ceiling-Effect on operation - F
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
What happened
The pilot departed a location where visual meteorological conditions existed, and was attempting to fly to another location that was also reporting visual meteorological conditions. During the flight, the pilot entered an area of hilly terrain that was covered by a low overcast ceiling of variable height. While maneuvering through that area in winds that were reportedly gusting to 10 miles per hour, the airplane impacted the terrain. No evidence was found of any anomaly or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, or engine.