On August 6, 1987, a North American T-6G (registration N8335H) was involved in an aviation accident near Butte City, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A witness observed a light aircraft making shallow right turns at approximately 100 feet above ground level before suddenly nosing down and colliding with terrain. Neither the pilot nor the passenger retained memory of the event.
What happened
During a local flight operation, a witness on the ground observed an aircraft executing shallow right turns at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The aircraft suddenly nosed down and collided with the terrain. Neither the pilot nor the passenger retained any memory of the events leading up to the collision.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the engine revealed considerable impact damage. However, components that were not damaged during the collision were inspected and tested. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted during these examinations.
Findings
The aircraft was observed making shallow right turns at low altitude before a sudden nosedown. The pilot and passenger had no memory of the incident. Mechanical inspection showed impact damage but no pre-accident failures in undamaged components.