Accident Details
During a local flight, the aircraft crashed on the side of a levee while maneuvering. Both pilots were seriously injured, and neither could recall details of the flight. The circumstances leading to the accident remain unclear due to the pilots' memory loss.
Site Examination
An examination of the crash site revealed that the plane was traveling nearly parallel with the levee at the time of the crash. Grass on the levee, approximately 18 inches tall, had been neatly sliced prior to the principal impact. The width of the swath matched the approximate wingspan of the lower wings, indicating that the aircraft struck the vegetation in a level attitude before contacting the ground.
After the initial impact, the main wreckage traveled about 100 feet before coming to rest. Investigators found no evidence of preimpact mechanical part failure or malfunction. The aircraft appeared to have been fully operational at the time of the accident.
Injuries and Pilot Statements
Both pilots sustained serious injuries and were unable to provide any account of the flight. Their lack of recall has hindered a complete understanding of the events leading to the crash. No other individuals were involved.
Investigation Outcome
The investigation determined that no mechanical or system failures contributed to the accident. The exact cause remains undetermined, as the pilots' recollections are absent and the physical evidence does not point to a specific triggering event.