Flight Details
The pilot departed with full fuel tanks and flew for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes before the accident. The airplane was later observed near the accident site flying erratically beneath a 300 to 400 foot ceiling in strong, gusty wind conditions.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the engine seemed to be cutting in and out. The airplane was heading northbound with a 25 to 40 knot tailwind when it was observed to pitch up abruptly, rotate left, and nose down into the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airframe, powerplant, and systems revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or difficulty. The left fuel tank was nearly full of fuel. The right fuel tank was compromised at impact, but there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site. The landing gear was found extended, the fuel boost pump was on, and the fuel selector was jammed in an intermediate position. Fuel consumption calculations using a 75% power setting indicated that as much as half the available fuel may have been burned.