Incident Sequence
As the airplane entered the traffic pattern, a rear-seat passenger observed smoke in the cockpit. Shortly thereafter, all engine power was suddenly lost, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency. Visibility inside the airplane became nearly zero, and the aircraft crash-landed short of the runway. Within seconds, the airplane became engulfed in fire.
Wreckage Examination
During the examination of the wreckage, investigators found numerous tools, a magneto harness kit, a brake anvil, and two small sections of hoses. An engine maintenance and repair textbook was also recovered. One of the hoses was later identified as a fuel line hose.