Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of control during flight for undetermined reason(s).
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The 74 year old pilot and his wife were on a trip to attend a funeral. A witness, who heard the airplane overhead, reported that it sounded low and at least one engine was operating. He reported that when he looked up, the airplane was in a dive, spinning slowly; however, the airplane did not make a complete revolution. Radar data showed the airplane in a left descending turn at approximately 2000 feet per minute. The airplane impacted the ground about 3 miles west of the airport in a near vertical descent, and much of the forward section had penetrated the ground. There was a post-crash fire. Examination of the airplane and various actuators confirmed that the landing gear was retracted, flaps were extended 5 degrees, elevator and aileron trim were neutral, and the rudder was positioned 3 degrees left. Examination of the engine confirmed internal/rotational damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
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