What happened
The flight was participating in a balloon popping contest. The pilot-in-command initiated an approach toward the designated contest area at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). During this phase of flight, the aircraft maintained a slow airspeed with flaps fully extended.
While maneuvering within the contest zone, the pilot spotted a balloon positioned to the left side of the aircraft. In response, the pilot adjusted the flight path to pursue the target. As the aircraft executed these maneuvers, it began to settle downward unexpectedly. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate before the aircraft made contact with the ground.
The investigation
The factual narrative indicates that the loss of control occurred during a low-speed maneuvering phase. The aircraft was operating at a critical altitude and airspeed combination while attempting to track a moving target. No mechanical failure or external environmental factors were cited in the provided text as contributing to the incident.