The aircraft collided with terrain at about 1439 Pacific time. The Private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness heard an airplane maneuvering, but could not see it because of low-lying clouds in the area. He said that the engines sounded “steady and smooth.” Then he heard the engine sound increase, “like an airshow performer during a roll.” Then the engines sounds stopped abruptly. The witness got in his truck and drove into the hills on his ranch. He observed a cloud of dust, and found the wreckage.
September 8, 2006, Santa Maria, Calif. / Piper PA-23-160
Key Takeaways:
- A private pilot sustained fatal injuries and his aircraft was destroyed after colliding with terrain at approximately 1439 Pacific time.
- A witness heard the airplane maneuvering, engine sounds increase sharply "like an airshow performer," and then stop abruptly before discovering the wreckage.
- Visual conditions prevailed, though low-lying clouds in the area prevented the witness from seeing the aircraft before the impact.
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