Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed and burned approximately 1,600 feet from the approach end of Runway 31 at Willow Airport. The accident occurred after witnesses reported the engine running rough during the flight.
Sequence of Events
About five to ten minutes before the accident, several witnesses near Willow Airport observed the aircraft heading southbound. They reported that the engine was running rough, but they saw no smoke or fire. Approximately three miles further south, other witnesses saw the aircraft make a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. They reported that the engine was running rough and that they believed black smoke was trailing from the lower engine area.
As the aircraft continued toward the airport, others heard and/or saw the aircraft. Some reported the engine was running very rough. Others closer to the airport saw no smoke, and several thought the engine was not running. One witness near the airport stated that the airspeed was slow just before the aircraft hit trees at the edge of a wooded area.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the wreckage and a teardown of the engine were conducted, but no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was verified. The aircraft was extensively damaged by impact and fire.