Accident Sequence
According to witnesses, the pilot took off on runway 4 and then turned left toward the southwest, flying parallel to the runway at a distance of about one-quarter to one-half mile. The pilot leveled the aircraft at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), just below the clouds, until approximately abeam of midfield, then turned slightly to the right.
Witness Observations
One witness reported that around the time of the turn, the aircraft was "buffeting or porpoising." Another witness, driving southbound on Interstate 95 about three-quarters of a mile east of the crash site, stated he saw the aircraft on a westbound heading, clear of clouds, at an altitude of 200 to 300 feet AGL in approximately a level attitude, when it suddenly "nosed down" to the ground. The aircraft then impacted in a residential area while in a steep descent.
Aircraft Weight and Balance
No preimpact mechanical problem was found. The aircraft was estimated to be approximately 600 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit of 5,400 pounds, with the center of gravity (CG) 0.27 to 0.97 inches behind the aft limit.