What happened
Following takeoff, the aircraft maintained an unusually low altitude. After executing a turn, it proceeded northward and moved out of the witnesses' line of sight without reappearing in view. The aircraft subsequently collided with the lower two strands of a powerline structure. The propeller severed these wires upon impact.
The main fuselage came to rest 162 feet beyond the location of the powerline. It settled in an upright position, supported by its main landing gear. The engine and both wings had separated from the fuselage during the collision sequence.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage site and the components of the aircraft to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident. They looked for any signs that a mechanical issue might have precipitated the crash.
No evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction was found during the examination. The physical damage was consistent with the described collision with the powerline wires.