# NTSB LAX01LA153: Holt Christian Eagle II, N32MJ, White Water, CA, April 22, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 2001, 15:40 local (22:40 UTC) - Place: White Water, CA - Coordinates: 33.816665, -116.5 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8167&lon=-116.5000&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report November 25, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 52110 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX01LA153 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52110/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA153 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from the power lines during an intentional low level flight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - low altitude flight/maneuver - intentional, pilot in command (cause) - object - wire,transmission - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The airplane collided with power lines while flying at low level in a desert canyon. A witness reported seeing the airplane flying at a low altitude in level flight in a canyon. 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N32MJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32MJ-2002-01-11), registration cancelled 2002-01-11, S/N HOLT0001, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: HOLT CHRISTIAN EAGLE II - Registry model: [Holt Bob J CHRISTEN EAGLE II](https://openairdocs.org/model/holt-bob-j-christen-eagle-ii) (registry code 05658TW) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: HOLT0001 - Airframe hours: 599 - Engines: Rotax reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Joseph A. Lukins - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2001 - Departed: PSP, PALM SPRINGS, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review July 2, 1999; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,037 total, 102 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: PSP, 8 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010422007859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010422007859A), Apr 22, 2001: Palm Springs, CA, No damage. (.19)On April 22, 2001, about 1540 hours pacific daylight time, a holt christian eagle ii, N32MJ, was destroyed when it collided with wires while maneuvering… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.