Observation
During taxi for takeoff, another pilot observed the accident airplane during its initial climb. The airplane was in a right 45-degree bank with the nose up approximately 30 degrees, and it appeared to have stalled. Around the same time, the pilot of the accident airplane radioed that he was having a problem and wished to return, but did not specify the nature of the problem.
Descent and Impact
The airplane then suddenly began losing altitude. Just before colliding with the ground, the airplane was last seen in a 20 to 30 degree right bank and a 50 to 60 degree nose-down attitude. Seconds later, a fireball was observed in the area where the airplane was last seen.
Post-accident Examination
The fuselage assembly sustained heavy fire damage. The center section of the airframe and the cockpit area were also fire damaged. Subsequent examination of the engine and airframe assemblies did not reveal any mechanical problem or component failure.