Event Details
A low-time pilot was operating an aircraft over farmland with the intention of locating coyotes from the air. During the search, the aircraft made several turns as the pilot spotted animals. One witness observed the aircraft execute a left turn, pitch upward, and then descend into terrain while attempting to spot a coyote. The flight was conducted at low altitude throughout the spotting endeavor.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses reported seeing the aircraft maneuvering left and right. One specific witness described the aircraft turning left, pitching up, and then descending directly into the ground. The pilot had previously flown with several ground crew members as passengers during the search period, though those individuals were not aboard at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Examination
Post-impact inspection revealed no evidence of structural failure. Control continuity was confirmed, indicating that the flight controls were intact and functional prior to impact. The engine was determined to be running at the moment of impact. Examination of the propeller assembly showed that the propeller bolts had separated from the mounting flange, consistent with forces generated during the impact sequence.
No other damage or failure modes were identified during the examination.