Amateur-built HARMON ROC N96KR accident near Maricopa, California

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 analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA070 for the full record.