Rockwell International S 2R N5022X accident near Calipatria, California

Probable cause

A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because of the extensive thermal damage from the postcrash fire.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was performing an aerial application flight in the airplane. A witness reported that after a slight right turn, the airplane rolled wings level, about 150 to 200 ft above ground level. Then, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted a field in a near vertical attitude. A postimpact fire ensued, which consumed most of the airplane's fuselage, left wing, and empennage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. However, the extent of thermal damage to the airplane prevented confirmation of control continuity.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC17FA047 for the full record.