NTSB Factual Report

On April 22, 2001, about 1540 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Holt Christian Eagle II, N32MJ, collided with power lines near White Water, California. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. The personal local flight departed Palm Springs, California, about 1520. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

Several witness reported seeing the airplane flying at a low level. The airplane was in a level attitude and moving toward a canyon near Interstate 10. The airplane banked right, rolled level, and then banked left. During the left bank the right wing impacted power lines and pieces of the airplane separated. The airplane then spiraled to the ground. The engine sound did not change.

A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land and instrument airplane ratings. The pilot held a third-class medical certificate that was issued on March 22, 2001. It had the limitations that the pilot must possess corrective lenses for near vision. An examination of excerpts from the pilot's logbook indicated an estimated total flight time of 1,037 hours. Examination of the maintenance records revealed no unresolved maintenance discrepancies against the airplane prior to departure.

The Riverside County Coroner completed an autopsy. The FAA Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory performed toxicological testing of specimens of the pilot. The results of the analysis were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, volatiles, and tested drugs.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from the power lines during an intentional low level flight.