Incident Overview
On the Fourth of July holiday, a 69-year-old pilot was at his cottage with friends and family. The pilot intended to fly his airplane to pick up his girlfriend. Witnesses observed the airplane fly low over the backyard, then ascend after passing out of sight. They heard loud banging and crackling noises, initially believing the pilot was playing a joke with firecrackers.
Aircraft Damage and Investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the airplane's right wing impacted a tree approximately 75 feet above the ground. The outboard section of the right wing separated, and the aircraft descended through trees, coming to rest inverted. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction.
Witness Accounts
Friends and relatives reported that the pilot had made low passes over the cottage on previous occasions, but this pass appeared lower than usual. They described the event as possibly a playful act involving fireworks, given the loud noises.