Accident Details
The aircraft crashed in an open, flat, stubble field just south of Bryant, South Dakota. The impact angle was 45 degrees nose-down with wings level. A post-impact fire consumed most of the wreckage. The five occupants received fatal injuries.
Weather Conditions
The weather was instrument flight rules (IFR) with low ceilings. The ceiling was 700 feet and visibility was 5 miles. The night was getting dark earlier than usual.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying very low and nearly colliding with tall objects, such as water tanks. During the last pull-up over the town, the pilot apparently climbed into the clouds.
Loss of Control
The pilot lost control in a stall and descended at a steep angle. The pilot was not instrument rated and had not received a weather briefing for the flight.
Note
Investigators noted that the field where the crash occurred would have been suitable for a landing if the pilot had remained in control and been able to see it.