What happened
During a personal pleasure flight departing from the pilot's farm airstrip, the pilot lost control of the aircraft and crashed into a field. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and a passenger. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, though no fire occurred at the scene.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft and its records revealed that the aircraft was in poor condition, rendering it unairworthy. Investigators found that the engine had been operated using automotive fuel without a proper conversion. Furthermore, FAA records indicated that the aircraft registration had been returned approximately nine months before the accident, with documentation stating the aircraft had been destroyed or scrapped.
Findings
Several regulatory and maintenance discrepancies were identified during the investigation. The pilot was not current on his medical certificate or his biennial flight review. Additionally, the aircraft was out of its annual inspection. While the investigation highlighted these significant maintenance and regulatory issues, no evidence was found to indicate that the material condition of the aircraft was a factor in the accident.