Amateur-built LANCAIR LEGACY N121J accident near Pioneer, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an insufficient altitude to clear terrain.

NTSB analysis

During the personal flight, the airplane impacted mountainous terrain. The witness marks and debris field were consistent with an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Weather information available for the time of the accident showed suspended precipitation and/or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) near the accident site and the potential for icing in the accident area. The airplane's altitude could not be identified on radar; therefore, it could not be determined whether the airplane was flying in frozen, liquid, or a mixed-phase of precipitation at the time of the accident. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane likely impacted terrain due to the pilot's decision to continue flight into IMC at an insufficient altitude to clear terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11FA230 for the full record.