Incident Overview
Two witnesses observed an aircraft flying eastbound at low altitude along a highway. The aircraft then began a climbing turn over sharply rising terrain. After completing approximately 90 degrees of turn, the aircraft struck the tops of trees about 30 feet above ground level (AGL).
Sequence of Impacts
About 12 paces beyond the initial impact point, the aircraft struck a second group of trees. This second impact occurred approximately 6 to 8 feet above the first. Approximately half of the right outboard wing was severed and remained lodged in the second group of trees. From that point, the aircraft descended through other trees and came to rest about 20 paces beyond the second impact point.
Post-Impact Examination
Propeller slash marks were found in the trees. A check of the fuel system and a partial teardown of the engine revealed no pre-impact failures. At the crash site, the density altitude was approximately 8,800 feet.