Steep Turn and Impact During Landing Approach (N9897L)

Accident Sequence

After entering the traffic pattern, the aircraft was observed in a steep descending turn while maneuvering from downwind to final approach. A witness reported that the pilot kept increasing the bank angle during the turn to final, apparently to avoid overshooting the final approach course. The witness did not see the actual crash but stated that the nose of the aircraft came up just before the aircraft disappeared from view. The witness also noted that the engine sounded normal prior to the accident.

Impact and Damage

The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. Examination of the propeller revealed transverse scrape marks on the blades, and one blade was bent forward.

Engine Examination

A teardown inspection of the engine was performed, but no evidence of pre-impact failures was found.