Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an inadequate cruise altitude in an area of rising terrain and his failure to consider the effect of the high density altitude on the climb capability of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was helping his passenger look for his lost truck in the desert and was flying about 500 feet agl over an area of gradually rising terrain. The pilot stated that he encountered a downdraft and he could not arrest the rate of descent so he began a turn toward down sloping terrain. The pilot reported that the downdraft became stronger in the turn and when ground impact was eminent he rolled the wings level as the wheels contacted the ground. After a short ground roll the aircraft contacted a large bush, which nosed the aircraft over onto it's back. Based on a temperature report from the closest aviation weather reporting station and the pilot's reported ground elevation, the density altitude was calculated at 6,500 feet.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 7, 1996, at 1230 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N332CS, collided with brush and rising terrain near California City, California. The aircraft was operated by Caracole Soaring of California City and rented by the pilot for a local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and included light and variable wind conditions. The aircraft was destroyed in the ground collision sequence. The certificated airline transport pilot and his one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at the California City airport on the day of the accident at 1130. The pilot reported that he was helping his passenger look for his lost truck in the desert and was flying about 500 feet agl over an area of gradually rising terrain. The pilot stated that he encountered a downdraft and he could not arrest the rate of descent so he began a turn toward down sloping terrain. The pilot reported that the downdraft became stronger in the turn and when ground impact was eminent he rolled the wings level as the wheels contacted the ground. After a short ground roll the aircraft contacted a large bush, which nosed the aircraft over onto it's back. Based on a temperature report from the closest aviation weather reporting station and the pilot's reported ground elevation, the density altitude was calculated at 6,500 feet. -