Accident Overview
Witnesses observed the aircraft in a dive from approximately 1000 ft above ground level. The aircraft did not change attitude or waiver as it continued toward the ground. Impact occurred with the wings level in about a 15-degree dive on a heading of 118 degrees. A mark on the airspeed indicator indicated 194 knots indicated airspeed at impact.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed no failure or malfunction of the equipment, except for difficulties encountered in using the altitude mode of the autopilot. This equipment was noted as unreliable and not to be used. No other mechanical issues were identified.
Pilot Medical History
Through interviews, it was determined that the pilot had injured his leg five days before the accident while deplaning in Ozona, Texas. The right shin laceration was approximately 3 inches long and required several sutures for closure. During autopsy, the wound was found open, and bloody bandages were found in the aircraft wreckage, suggesting the wound had reopened in flight. The only other significant finding of the autopsy was the absence of broken bones in the hands and wrists. According to the pilot's wife, she observed the bandaged area before the flight as being clean and not bloody.