What happened
Approximately five to ten minutes before the accident, several witnesses located near Willow Airport observed an aircraft flying southbound. These observers reported that the engine was running roughly, although they did not see any smoke or fire emanating from the plane.
About three miles further south, other witnesses saw the aircraft execute a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. These individuals reported that the engine continued to run roughly and believed they observed black smoke trailing from the lower engine area. As the aircraft continued its approach toward the airport, additional witnesses heard and/or saw it.
Some observers noted that the engine was running very roughly. Others who were closer to the airport saw no smoke, and several thought the engine had stopped running entirely. One witness near the airport stated that the airspeed was slow just before the aircraft hit trees at the edge of a wooded area. The aircraft crashed and burned approximately 1,600 feet from the approach end of Runway 31.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage and a teardown of the engine were conducted. No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was verified. However, the aircraft was extensively damaged by impact and fire.