Accident Description
The accident occurred while the airplane was on the base leg of the traffic pattern to an uncontrolled airport. The aircraft entered a steep descent from low altitude and slow airspeed before impacting the ground.
Witness Accounts
Three witnesses observed the airplane just before impact. They reported that the airplane was at low altitude with slow airspeed when it entered a steep descent and crashed. None of the three witnesses heard the sound of the engine; all were in vehicles at the time of the accident.
Injuries
Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries during the accident.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact anomalies with the airplane. The propeller showed evidence of rotational damage consistent with impact.
Medical Information
According to a medical examiner, the pilot had significant heart disease, suggestive of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can be associated with sudden death.