Accident Overview
The aircraft crashed following an in-flight separation of various components of the airframe. Post-accident examination of the failed parts provided a detailed picture of the in-flight sequence, which was supplemented by a witness who saw and heard the aircraft during its final dive. The aircraft was destroyed by the in-flight separation and ground impact damage.
Wreckage Distribution
The wreckage was scattered over an area approximately two miles long and 500 feet wide, in a pasture. The wreckage path followed a circular path from about 220 degrees to 090 degrees magnetic. The path was divided into two major sections. One section consisted of papers, aircraft insulation, and other loose material. This region extended northeast approximately 1.5 miles over woodland and open pasture. The other section contained heavier structural parts of the aircraft, starting with the engine cowling and ending with the engine assembly and propellers. In between were the tail assembly, the cabin top, cockpit, and wings.
Occupants
The two occupants were thrown out near the end of the path in an easterly direction.
Cause
No mechanical or physical reasons for the cause were found.