Flight and Maneuvers
The pilot and his wife flew to a local residential area to photograph a house. The aircraft operated in the vicinity of the accident site for about 30 minutes. Radar data showed the airplane in a level left turn at 2,300 feet (1,700 feet above ground level) for approximately 50 seconds, after which radar contact was abruptly lost.
Witnesses reported observing the airplane in a left circle when the bank angle steepened, the nose dropped, and the aircraft descended steeply until impacting the ground.
Aircraft and Engine Condition
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the engine was operating at the time of impact. Witnesses reported hearing strong engine sounds during the descent.
Pilot Toxicology
The pilot reported on his most recent medical application that he occasionally used Ritalin for drowsiness. Toxicological examination detected the presence of a therapeutic level of the drug in the pilot.