Accident Overview
The airplane was observed by witnesses flying at low altitude while turning into rising terrain. According to witness statements, the aircraft executed a 360-degree clockwise turn in a straight and level attitude, heading toward terrain that was increasing in elevation. The lowest point in the area was estimated at 660 feet mean sea level (msl), while the crash site was at approximately 1,815 feet msl, and the top of the rising terrain reached about 3,630 feet msl.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses reported seeing the airplane strike a palm tree before crashing into a private residence. Upon reaching the crash site, they noted that initially there was no fire. The passenger seated in the left rear seat was the first to be removed from the wreckage. The other three occupants remained inside when a fire erupted approximately 25 to 30 minutes after the accident. The fire became too intense to allow the removal of the remaining occupants. There were no injuries to ground personnel.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage established continuity for all flight controls. The engine was disassembled but no discrepancies were found.