Accident Details
The aircraft was observed departing at approximately 2010 hours. Shortly after departure, it reversed course and flew over the airport at an altitude between 300 and 400 feet above ground level. The aircraft then crashed three-quarters of a mile south of the airport in unpopulated, mountainous or hilly terrain at an elevation of 1560 feet. This location is 104 feet lower than the airport elevation. The wreckage was found approximately two days later. The aircraft was destroyed, and there was no fire.
Pilot Information
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. According to records, the pilot had accumulated a total of 155 hours of flying time over a period of 9 years and 2 months. Of these, 6.1 hours were logged as night flying. The pilot's last night flight occurred 23 months prior to the accident.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of malfunction with the aircraft or any related equipment. The investigation did not identify any mechanical or system failures that could have contributed to the accident.