Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the aircraft descended and leveled off at a low altitude, just above the treetops. It then rolled to the right and dove into wooded terrain. The engine was heard running loudly and steadily until the moment of impact.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 35 miles southwest of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the weather was reported as 2,500 feet broken clouds, visibility 7 miles, and wind from 300 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots. A SIGMET was in effect for an area west of the crash site, warning of possible moderate to occasionally severe turbulence below 8,000 feet with low-level wind shear below 2,000 feet. However, no relationship between the weather and the accident was verified.
Toxicology
Toxicology testing detected 13.9 mg/L of cocaine in the pilot's blood.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine.