Accident Overview
The aircraft stalled and crashed while on final approach to land. It had called for landing information, entered the traffic pattern, and was observed established on a low final approach when it suddenly turned right and descended to the ground. The impact occurred approximately one-quarter mile southeast of the approach end of Runway 34, with the aircraft in a wings-level, slightly nose-low attitude.
Post-Impact Examination
All three landing gear were broken during the impact. The aircraft slid about 40 feet before coming to a stop heading north-northeast. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft had been modified to accommodate weather radar. According to the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), when the radome is installed, two pitot tubes should be installed. However, only one pitot tube was found on this aircraft, and it was installed on the wrong side of the fuselage. The tube was inscribed "PH506R" and was mounted on the left side.
Instrument Findings
The wreckage examination also revealed that the airspeed indicator was reading 198 miles per hour. Upon disassembly, the sector gear was found to have slipped, causing the pointer to be inaccurate. No information was available regarding who installed the pitot tube or when it was installed.