Accident Overview
An airplane was destroyed when it impacted an agricultural field. The wreckage was located about 700 feet from a house belonging to a relative of the pilot.
Flight Path
Radar data indicated that the accident aircraft departed to the northeast at 3,400 feet and tracked east-northeast toward De Kalb County Airport in Auburn, Indiana, where it descended. The aircraft then proceeded northbound to Tri-State Steuben County Airport in Angola, Indiana, where three descents occurred. Subsequently, the aircraft headed west and then turned east at an altitude of 1,700 feet mean sea level (MSL). The last radar return was recorded at 1445:12 at 1,700 feet MSL.
Pilot's Maneuvers
A family member of the pilot stated that on previous flights, the pilot would conduct 'flybys' by the houses of people he knew. The family member also reported that they had rented a high-wing airplane from the Angola Airport to perform such 'flybys'. The 'flyby' was described as a circling maneuver at an altitude of approximately three to four times the height of the trees. The family member noted that a buzzer could be heard during the maneuver.
Aircraft Inspection
No preimpact anomalies were found during inspection of the airplane or engine. Twelve gallons of fuel were recovered from the fuel tanks.