Accident Description
The airplane struck a marsh in a nearly vertical nose-down attitude. The propeller and engine were buried approximately three feet into water and mud. The wings and tail cone remained attached to the fuselage and were positioned vertically. The leading edges of both left and right wings exhibited crushing along their entire span, and the tail cone was buckled forward.
Aircraft Examination
Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight controls. Examination of the engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The propeller blades showed chordwise scratching and nicks on their leading edges.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated approximately 167 flight hours in the accident airplane. He demonstrated proficiency with stalls and slow flight during his Biennial Flight Review on April 25, 1999.
Aircraft History
The airplane's stall warning horn had been deactivated soon after it was acquired in 1977. The airframe's total time was 7,067 hours.
Flight Purpose
The moose telemetry flights were conducted between 200 and 500 feet above ground level.