What happened
The aircraft was sighted operating at very low altitudes directly over the area where it ultimately came to rest. A witness located approximately one-half mile from the crash site observed the plane flying low over a cornfield. The flight pattern appeared consistent with agricultural aviation techniques, specifically swath runs typically used for crop dusting or spraying.
It was noted that the aircraft in question was not equipped or certified for such specialized operations. At the conclusion of each pass, the aircraft executed a sharp pull-up maneuver. Following the final pull-up, the plane rotated 180 degrees at the apex of the climb before descending rapidly and impacting the ground. The subsequent fire completely demolished the wreckage.
The investigation
Examination of the debris field revealed that the flight control connections remained intact, indicating no mechanical failure or separation of controls prior to impact. Physical evidence on the ground suggested the aircraft struck the surface during a near-vertical descent.