Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper aircraft handling while maneuvering at low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A witness reported the pilot was making a series of low passes over a farm house, pulling up and changing direction between each pass. He stated the pilot '...dispensed some sort of smoke...' during the passes. The FAA inspector stated the left wing of the airplane struck a small tree during a low pass. Witnesses stated on about the fifth low pass, the airplane pulled up in a steep bank turn, then pitched down and impacted the ground. A postimpact ground fire ensued. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
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