What happened
The aircraft was initially observed maintaining a low altitude while approaching a point approximately one-quarter mile northeast of the town center. The flight path took the plane directly over a wooded area. As the aircraft reached this location, it initiated a turn to the left.
During the execution of this maneuver, the bank angle continued to increase beyond normal parameters. Subsequently, the nose of the aircraft dropped significantly, causing the aircraft to descend steeply into the tree canopy. Emergency responders and police arrived at the accident site shortly thereafter. While on scene, officers noted the presence of numerous deer in the surrounding woods. The wreckage was located approximately 300 feet north of an open field adjacent to the crash site.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence recovered from the wooded impact area and the flight path leading up to the collision. Investigators examined the structural damage sustained by the aircraft during the steep descent and final impact with the trees. The proximity of the wreckage to the open field was documented to help reconstruct the final moments of flight.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver. The continued increase in bank angle followed by a nose drop indicates a departure from controlled flight, leading directly into the terrain. The lack of available recovery altitude due to the low initial flight level prevented any potential recovery before impact.