Incident Overview
A pilot borrowed an aircraft to transport a musical group to a private engagement in Lakeside, Montana, approximately 15 miles south of Kalispell. After the event, the group boarded the aircraft for the return flight. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at low altitude near the performance location.
Maneuvers and Crash
The aircraft was seen at a very low altitude when it suddenly entered an abrupt climb, followed by a wingover or hammerhead stall type of maneuver that reversed its direction. The aircraft did not recover from the ensuing dive and crashed on wooded terrain.
Witness and Pilot Information
Witnesses reported that the engines appeared to be running normally throughout the flight. A toxicological test of the pilot's blood revealed a slight amount of alcohol, but investigators noted indications that this may have been due to postmortem putrefaction rather than pre-mortem consumption.
Investigation Status
The accident investigation is ongoing. No further details about the aircraft or pilot have been released at this time.