Incident Overview
At approximately 1802 CST, witnesses reported a power outage in the Stafford area. An airplane was subsequently observed burning in a field located about half a mile south of the approach end of runway 35 at Stafford Airport.
Damage and Impact Evidence
Two transmission wires were found severed and lying near the airplane; a third wire had been struck but remained intact. A two-foot-long piece of transmission wire, twisted into a curlicue shape, was discovered at the first impact site. The propeller exhibited chordwise impact marks. Both vertical stabilizers of the twin-tail design showed three-quarter-inch impact marks at identical locations on their leading edges. The severed transmission wires were at a height of 35 feet above ground.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
Examination of the airplane revealed continuity in both engine and flight controls. The pilot's last logged night flying time was 21 months prior to the accident.
Operational Context
The accident occurred during an approach to runway 35 at Stafford Airport. The precise nature of the flight (local, instructional, etc.) was not specified in the source.