Accident Overview
An aircraft was being used to fly over a wooded area and spot cattle for personnel on the ground. After approximately two hours of spotting cattle, the pilot was flying at low altitude when the aircraft suddenly rolled into a steep bank. Subsequently, the nose dropped and the aircraft crashed in a steep descent.
Witness Observations
A witness reported that the engine revved up just before impact. Several tree branches were found at the crash site that had been smoothly severed by the propeller.
Aircraft Examination
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found during the examination of the aircraft. The propeller had cleanly cut through tree branches, indicating it was rotating at impact.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology studies of the occupants detected low levels of cocaine and marijuana. Tests of the pilot's urine showed a marijuana metabolite level of 79 ng/mL and a cocaine level of 0.13 mcg/mL. The pilot's blood had a carboxy-THC level of 12 ng/mL. Tests of the passenger's urine showed a marijuana metabolite level of 56 ng/mL and a cocaine level of 0.2 mcg/mL.