What happened
Prior to the accident, the aircraft had been fully fueled. Two individuals carrying equipment boarded the aircraft for the purpose of conducting an aerial photographic flight in the local area.
Witnesses at the scene observed the airplane flying at a low altitude and slow airspeed just above the tree line. Some observers noted that the aircraft appeared to wobble and seemed to be traveling too slowly to maintain flight. One witness reported seeing the engine cutting out before the aircraft struck a tree and subsequently hit the ground. Another observer stated the aircraft went straight down without clipping any trees.
The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down position on the north edge of a group of trees measuring between 25 and 30 feet in height.
The investigation
An examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that could have impacted its performance. During the inspection, the flaps were found in a 7-degree down position. Investigators also found leaves and twigs inside the left main gear wheel fairing, which were consistent with the vegetation from the trees at the accident site.
Calculations determined that the takeoff weight was 1,764.3 pounds, which exceeded the manufacturer's recommended maximum gross takeoff weight of 1,675 pounds.