What happened
The 81-year-old pilot was operating an aircraft with the intention of reaching the Glencoe Municipal Airport. The primary objective of this flight was to pick up parachutists for a subsequent jump. It is noted that the Glencoe airport features a grass runway, which may have influenced the pilot's approach strategy.
Instead of landing at the designated airfield, the aircraft touched down in a grass field located one-half mile south of the airport. Witnesses observed the pilot circling the intended field prior to the final descent and landing attempt. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a fence post. This impact caused the aircraft to nosed over.
Following the crash, the pilot exited the damaged airplane. Shortly after the pilot's evacuation, the aircraft was completely consumed by fire. There is no information in the source regarding injuries or fatalities sustained during this incident.