Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain while maneuvering Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in the area due to smoke.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was observed maneuvering at a low altitude over a sparsely populated wooded area during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. Wreckage and impact signatures were consistent with level attitude, high-speed impact with trees and terrain. The wreckage debris path was about 200 feet in length and all major components of the airplane were located within the debris path. A United States Forest Service lookout tower personnel, located about 12 miles east southeast of the accident site stated that around mid day, visibility was about 1/4 to 1/2 miles with heavy smoke in the area. A local law enforcement officer reported that the day of the accident, visibility was marginal due to smoke in the area of the accident. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sierraville, California
- Nearest airport
- Sierraville / Dearwater Airpor
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-6A
- N-number
- N27WR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.