Flight and Witness Accounts
An airplane was on a night flight from a refueling stop at Winnemucca, Nevada, with a reported destination of Longview, Washington. The individual who assisted in servicing the airplane at Winnemucca noted nothing unusual about the plane or either of its occupants. After departure from Winnemucca, there were no reported sightings or contact with the airplane until it reached the area of The Dalles, Oregon.
Numerous witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering in that area. Most described seeing the airplane in a continuous series of low-level erratic maneuvers, with repeated short-term rapid climbs and descents. One witness likened the airplane's movements to those of a pilot practicing stalls. Those who heard the engine described the sound as surging, sputtering, or constantly changing from idle to full power.
Final Maneuvers and Crash
Shortly before the crash, one witness saw the airplane flying so low that it appeared to be landing. After maneuvering for approximately 10 minutes, the airplane rolled into a steep descent and crashed. The impact occurred about 6 miles west of The Dalles Airport.
Examination Findings
During an examination of the wreckage, no preimpact mechanical problem was found. However, the airplane was extensively damaged by the impact. A pathological examination of the pilot revealed no medical problem; the pilot's third-class medical certificate was dated March 10, 1992.