Accident Sequence
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach to runway 23. A witness heard the pilot announce being on a 2-mile final, after which no further transmissions were received. Other witnesses observed the airplane performing a descending, low, sweeping turn to the southwest just above the tree line, with a left wing down attitude, moments before colliding with trees and a residence located 1 mile west of the airport.
Investigation Findings
The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent postimpact fire, which consumed all engine accessories, the cockpit, and the fuel system. The landing gear was found in the down position. The fuel selector was in the off position. The engine was disassembled and examined; no anomalies were noted that would have precluded the engine from producing power.
Fuel Analysis
Fuel load and usage were reconstructed based on the distance between the origin and destination airports, indicating that the trip required 15 gallons. The airplane's last known fueling occurred on July 17th at the departure airport, when each wing tank was filled with 10 gallons. It is not known how much fuel was present in each tank prior to this fueling, and flight hours subsequent to the July 17th fueling could not be determined.
Toxicology
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was detected in the pilot's blood at a concentration of 0.186 ug/ml and in the liver at 1.594 ug/ml.