Flight and Descent
The aircraft was conducting a parachute jumping mission. After climbing to 9,000 feet MSL, four skydivers exited the aircraft, and the pilot began a descent back to the airport. The aircraft was observed level at approximately 500 feet AGL, in a position consistent with a downwind leg for a left-hand traffic pattern for Runway 36. About half a mile north of the normal turn point for the base leg, the aircraft began a steep descending left turn.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported a bank angle of 45 to 75 degrees and a nose-down attitude of 20 to 30 degrees. One witness stated that the bank and descent angles then began to decrease, but at impact, the nose was still low and the bank angle was about 20 degrees. Observers reported no indications of pilot control movement before impact.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of an in-flight failure or malfunction.
Pilot Background and Medical Findings
The pilot's wife stated that on occasions he had experienced severe headaches, but never to an alarming point, and he took only aspirin for them. Pathological and toxicological examinations reflected no evidence of a pre-impact incapacitating problem.