Accident Overview
On a night flight, the aircraft was observed flying approximately one mile west of Ellington Airport. The airport's elevation is 235 feet above mean sea level, with a standard traffic pattern altitude of 1,250 feet MSL. The aircraft came to rest at an elevation of 800 feet, located 2.2 miles northeast of the airport. The wreckage was scattered over a distance of about 300 feet and was oriented on a magnetic heading of 335 degrees.
Witness Account
A witness reported seeing the aircraft flying north, just above terrain that was 800 feet high. The aircraft was in a gradual descent, and it appeared to the witness that it would not clear the terrain ahead. Subsequently, the witness observed a glow and smoke rising from the accident site.
Examination Findings
Examination of the aircraft did not disclose any evidence of malfunction. Furthermore, there was no evidence of pilot incapacitation or impairment.