What happened
The aircraft was flying at tree-top level when it struck a 34-foot utility pole approximately 6 feet from the top of the structure. Following the impact, the aircraft burst into flames and crashed in an open field. At the time of the accident, a tractor was operating in the field near the pole, generating dust. A witness on the ground, who was a friend of the pilot, observed the aircraft at a low altitude and noted that the pilot had previously performed low-altitude maneuvers, or "buzzing," near him.
The investigation
Investigators examined environmental and physiological factors following the crash. A representative from the aircraft manufacturer flew the same route under similar weather conditions, altitude, and time of day. This representative reported difficulty identifying power lines and poles due to sun glare and terrain that matched the color of the utility structures, despite knowing their locations.
Toxicology testing was performed on the pilot. Tests revealed a concentration of 0.027 mcg/ml of Temazepam in the pilot's blood, with low levels of both Temazepam and its metabolite, Oxazepam, detected in the urine. However, based on established studies of Temazepam blood levels, investigators determined that at least 24 hours had passed since the pilot's last use of the medication, making it unlikely that the drug influenced flight performance.