Incident Report
A farmer reported observing an aircraft approaching a private airstrip as if to land from the south, but did not see the crash. The aircraft wreckage was found approximately one-quarter mile from the approach end of Runway 2 when firefighters responded to a reported grass fire.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed the aircraft had impacted in a steep nose-down attitude and subsequently burned. No rotational damage was noted on the propeller. The mixture control was found in the idle cut-off position. The throttle was found 2.3 inches from the forward position and bent about 90 degrees to the right. The fuel selector was found between the left tank and the off position; however, extensive damage from impact and fire made further analysis difficult.
Background
Before the flight, the pilot had expressed apprehension about landing at the airstrip. This was the first flight for the aircraft since June 3, 1989. It had been at the departure airport during that time for cosmetic maintenance. Approximately 30 miles west at Austin, the 1553 CDT wind was reported from 340 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 25 knots.