Accident Details
During a local flight, the aircraft was observed flying at a level attitude approximately 10 feet above a cornfield at high speed. As the pilot initiated a pull-up, the right wing struck tree branches at an estimated height of 60 feet above ground level (AGL). The impact caused a 6-foot section of the right wing to separate from the aircraft.
Following the wing separation, the aircraft climbed briefly, then rolled to the right and nosed into the ground. The accident site was located near the home of a friend of the pilot and co-owner of the aircraft, which was situated approximately 300 yards away.
Background
The pilot/co-owner had previously conducted several 'fly-overs' of the friend's house. According to the friend, during those past events the aircraft had been operated at a safe altitude. No specific altitude or other details of those prior maneuvers were provided.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The aircraft's systems and structure were examined, and no anomalies that could have contributed to the loss of control were identified. The accident sequence appears to have been initiated by the low-altitude high-speed maneuver and subsequent collision with tree branches.
The aircraft type, registration, and operator were not specified in the source. The date, time of day, and weather conditions were also not provided. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.