Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of control inflight by the pilot for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot departed on a VFR flight in VFR flight conditions. Witnesses observed the airplane traveling to the south estimated between 250 to 1,000 feet agl in straight and level flight. The airplane was observed to start a turn to the right and an increase in engine power was heard. The witnesses looked up and observed the airplane in a nose down attitude until it disappeared below the tree line. Examination of the airframe, flight control system, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence to indicate a precrash failure or malfunction. The pilot was under investigation by the clearwater police department for sexual battery that allegedly occurred the night before the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
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