Flight Details
The aircraft departed Portland International Airport on a maintenance check flight. It climbed to 1,900 feet mean sea level (MSL) and proceeded to overfly the pilot's residence. According to the pilot's wife, such overflights were not uncommon. Radar data showed the aircraft flying a left 360-degree circle at 1,900 feet (approximately 1,000 feet above ground level) before radar contact was lost. Witnesses confirmed the circular orbit.
Accident Sequence
Early into the second orbit, witnesses observed the aircraft execute a steep left turn during which the nose dropped and the aircraft began a descent. The aircraft struck a tree at a point approximately 110 feet above the ground impact site, severing the outboard left wing section. The aircraft then descended to the ground while rolling left about its longitudinal axis. Prop slash marks associated with both engines indicated approximately 2,200 and 2,900 revolutions per minute (RPM) for the left and right engines, respectively, upon ground impact.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination revealed no evidence of any control malfunction within the aircraft.