The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at about 1557 Pacific time. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.
A pilot-rated witness adjacent to the accident site observed the airplane at low altitude. The witness did not hear the engine and watched the airplane impact terrain just below the ridge line of a bluff and erupt into flames. All major structural components were located within about 100 feet of the main wreckage. A post-accident fire consumed the fuselage and inboard portions of both wings.
