Accident Details
A light aircraft crashed into a wildlife management area during a flight intended to spot deer and identify a suitable hunting location. The aircraft impacted the terrain in a steep nose-down attitude with approximately 20 degrees of flaps extended. Torsional damage to the airframe suggested that the aircraft was spinning at the moment of impact.
Witnesses in the area reported heavy rain squalls and thunderstorms at the time of the accident. No evidence of any pre-impact malfunction or failure of the airframe, engine, or related components was found. All components necessary to sustain flight remained attached to the aircraft.
Occupant Information
The pilot was wearing a seat belt but not a shoulder harness. The passenger was wearing neither a seat belt nor a shoulder harness and was partially ejected from the aircraft upon impact.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot was not instrument rated and held an expired medical certificate.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no pre-existing mechanical issues. The aircraft's condition at impact, including the extended flaps and spinning motion, was consistent with the witness accounts of severe weather in the area.