What happened
At approximately 1300 EDT, the Cessna 172 departed on a local training flight carrying a student pilot and a certified flight instructor. Roughly 25 minutes later, at about 1325, the aircraft impacted a wooded area located approximately one mile northeast of the approach end of Runway 21.
Witnesses observed the aircraft's behavior prior to impact. One account described the plane entering a slow downward rolling pattern. The aircraft subsequently leveled out, after which the wings tipped from side to side approximately three times. Shortly thereafter, the nose dropped to an angle of 45 to 50 degrees before the crash occurred.
The investigation
A post-acc examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.