Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Local law enforcement reported that several witnesses observed an airplane, matching the description of the accident airplane, flying low over homes and automobiles on the afternoon of the accident. Later, the wreckage was discovered just west of the airport property. The airplane had impacted trees and came to rest inverted. The empennage was bent and twisted 180 degrees beneath the fuselage and wings. An examination of the airplane and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
Local law enforcement reported that several witnesses observed an airplane, matching the description of the accident airplane, buzzing homes and automobiles on the afternoon of the accident. Later, the airplane accident site was discovered just west of the airport property. The airplane had impacted trees and came to rest inverted. The empennage was bent and twisted 180 degrees beneath the fuselage and wings. An examination of the airplane and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies. Attempts to contact the pilot were unsuccessful.