Commander 114 N6064C accident near Jean, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate speed while maneuvering at a low attitude during night and entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on a personal cross-country flight in night visual meteorological conditions. While approaching and maneuvering to land at the destination airport, the airplane made a right turn consistent with a right base turn to the destination runway. As the airplane began the base-to-final turn, just before entering a small cloud, it entered a steep, nosedown spin. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain and a postimpact fire ensued.

The airplane damage and ground scars at the accident site were consistent with a near wings-level attitude at the time of impact.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that, while maneuvering to avoid the cloud, the pilot failed to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in the airplane entering an accelerated stall.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18FA253 for the full record.