SKYRANGER N936LS accident near Perris, California

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

During cruise flight in the experimental amateur-built airplane, the pilot heard a "bang" sound, and the airplane immediately began to descend and roll to the left. He applied opposing aileron and right rudder control inputs and was able to regain partial control; however, as the descent progressed, the airplane's turn rate began to increase. The airplane struck the ground in a left-wing-low attitude, sustaining substantial damage. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Although postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed two separated cables (a wing brace and an elevator trim tab cable), physical evidence indicated that the cable separations most likely occurred during the accident sequence. Additionally, if the elevator trim tab cable had separated in flight, the movement of the trim tab to the up position likely would not have resulted in the flight control difficulties experienced by the pilot. Thus, it was not possible to determine why the airplane departed controlled flight and why the pilot was unable to regain control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA417 for the full record.