Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB SEA08LA137

Nolan RV-4 — Tolani Lake, AZ

1 fatal Low-time pilotLow altitude
DateMay 25, 2008
LocationTolani Lake, AZ
AircraftNolan RV-4 (amateur-built)
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceManeuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age40
Pilot total time257 hrs · Low time
Time in typeUnknown
Fatalities1

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

What happened

The pilot was conducting a day visual flight rules (VFR) flight over a sparsely populated desert area. The accident site was located about 170 miles southwest of the intended destination airport. Wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with a left wing low impact with terrain. The distance between the first identified point of contact with terrain to the main wreckage was about 34 feet in length. Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical anomalies. Weather conditions in the area of the accident included clear sky and light winds with visibility of 10 statute miles.

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 →