NTSB Factual Report

On November 24, 2005, about 1630 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N8091H, struck an abandoned RV trailer after landing in a cleared area referred to as a "fire line" near Panamint Springs, California. Universal Air Academy operated the rental airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight departed El Monte, California, about 1400, with a planned destination of Stovepipe Wells Airport in the Death Valley National Park, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator, the pilot stated that she misidentified the landing area as her destination airport. She made a low approach to examine the surface conditions and then made her landing; touching down about 1/3 down the fire line. Shortly after landing, the left wing struck the first of a series of five trailers parked to the left of the fire line. The impact detached the left wing from the fuselage and spun the airplane to the left where the wreckage came to rest in a ditch. The pilot's intended destination, Stovepipe Wells Airport, is 40 miles to the east of Panamint Springs.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector on scene stated the fire line was about 4/10-mile long. The surface of the line was extremely rough and rocky.

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper in-flight selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.