BLYTHE, CA, USA
N76TC
HAYES/PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
The pilot was assisting in a search for a missing person while flying in mountainous terrain. He was flying at a low altitude when he encountered a downdraft and collided with the terrain. He reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.
On June 7, 1994, about 1400 hours Pacific daylight time, a Hayes/Pietenpol Air Camper homebuilt aircraft, N76TC, crashed while maneuvering near Blythe, California. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, was destroyed. The certificated private pilot and passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Blythe. According to the pilot, he was assisting in a search for a missing person. The pilot indicated that while maneuvering over the desert he encountered a downdraft and collided with the terrain. He did not indicate any mechanical malfunction.
The pilot's unexpected encounter with a downdraft while flying at an improper altitude in mountainous terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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