Accident Sequence
A commercial pilot was operating an aircraft on an aerial photography flight at an altitude between 200 and 500 feet above ground level (AGL) and a speed of 70 to 80 miles per hour. According to the pilot, while the aircraft was in a bank, it appeared to be 'pushed' into trees standing 60 to 80 feet tall that were directly below its flight path. The pilot reported that the aircraft then 'fell out of the air.' The pilot further stated that he never felt any buffeting or heard the stall warning system activate during the event.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses on the ground reported that, prior to the accident, the aircraft was executing abrupt maneuvers characterized by steep angles of bank. Their accounts describe a flight profile that included sharp turns and rapid changes in attitude.
Investigation Findings
Physical evidence from the accident site indicated that the aircraft entered the trees at a low speed while in a steep right bank. The investigation did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction of the aircraft or any of its systems. No anomalies were found in the structure, engine, or flight controls that could have contributed to the loss of control.
Conclusion
The circumstances of the accident, as described by the pilot and witnesses, along with the physical evidence, indicate a controlled flight into terrain during a low-altitude maneuvering operation. The absence of any pre-impact system failures suggests that the event resulted from the flight conditions and pilot actions at the time. However, the official report does not specify a probable cause.