What happened
Ground witnesses observed an aircraft navigating through mountainous terrain below the cloud layer. The plane was estimated to be flying between 100 and 200 feet above the ground while traveling in a northerly direction. Despite this low-altitude flight, the aircraft eventually impacted an upsloping hill. At the moment of impact, the aircraft was heading in a westerly direction.
The investigation
Upon reaching the site, investigators noted that the wreckage was confined to a single area with little or no forward movement, indicating a direct impact with the terrain. A mechanical examination of the engine revealed a critical failure: the right magneto was found to be inoperative. This component is essential for ignition, and its failure would significantly degrade engine performance or cause complete power loss.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the engine malfunction due to the inoperative right magneto. The combination of mountainous terrain, low altitude, and mechanical failure left no margin for error, resulting in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) scenario.