Accident Circumstances
A witness reported observing the airplane flying at a very low altitude. According to the witness, the airplane suddenly turned to the left, causing the left wing to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a nose-first orientation.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the leading edges of both wings were compressed aft. The deformation was oriented at an angle corresponding to a pitch attitude of approximately 135 degrees nose-down. The propeller blades sustained only minor damage.
Fuel System Examination
The fuel selector was found in the right main tank feed position. All four fuel tanks remained intact, with both auxiliary tanks full. Measurements showed 2.3 gallons of clear blue fuel in the right main tank and 8 gallons in the left main tank. No fuel was detected in the engine fuel lines or in the carburetor. The pilot's operating handbook specifies that each main wing tank contains 3 gallons of unusable fuel.
Stall Warning System
Examination of the light bulb from the visual stall warning indicator showed that the filament was stretched toward the base of the bulb.