Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) OV-10 aircraft was observed by multiple witnesses at a fire station. The pilot had prior experience flying helicopters for the U.S. Forest Service and was based at the same fire station where the accident occurred.
Witness Observations
Witnesses at the station reported seeing the aircraft fly by at an approximate altitude of 200 feet above ground level. It then entered a right roll, reaching a near inverted attitude. Shortly after, the aircraft reversed the direction of the roll, which appeared to be an attempt by the pilot to level the wings. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the ground in a 90-degree right bank with a nose-down pitch attitude of approximately 30 degrees.
Engine Condition
All witnesses stated that both engines sounded normal as the aircraft passed their location. Post-accident examination revealed heavy rotational damage to both engines and propellers.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events described by witnesses and the physical evidence. The aircraft's flight path and attitude at impact were consistent with the observations. No further causal factors were identified in the provided information.