ADS-B Data Terminated In A Remote Area Populated With Fields Used For Agricultural Work

Location: Maxwell, CA Accident Number: CEN22FA375
Date & Time: August 9, 2022, 11:06 Local Registration: N51YX
Aircraft: Sonex Aircraft Waiex Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 9, 2022, about 1106 pacific daylight time, a Sonex Aircraft Waiex airplane, N51YX, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Maxwell, California. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A preliminary review of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that the airplane departed runway 13 at the Colusa County Airport (O08), Colusa, California, about 1027. The airplane traveled to the north of Colusa and then traveled to the west. After the airplane crossed the I-5 highway, the airplane traveled to the north of Maxwell, California, where the ADS-B data terminated in a remote area populated with fields used for agricultural work.

The airplane came to rest nose down, in a flat dirt field. The wreckage sustained fire damage. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site for a future examination.

The estimated density altitude for the accident site was 1,449 ft above msl.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov