What happened
During a VOR/DME approach, the aircraft descended below the decision height while executing a circling maneuver. In an effort to avoid collision with high-tension towers and/or wires, the pilot initiated an abrupt pull-up. This action resulted in a stall/spin into the terrain. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation determined that the aircraft descended below the decision height on a circling approach. In an attempt to avoid collision with high-tension towers and/or wires, the pilot initiated an abrupt pull-up, followed by a stall/spin into the terrain.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's failure to maintain visual reference during the circling approach and the subsequent loss of control due to the abrupt maneuver. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries.