Incident Overview
According to witness accounts near the accident site, the airplane was observed in level flight at an estimated altitude of 2000 feet above ground level. Multiple witnesses reported hearing the engine lose power, then regain power, though they were uncertain whether a second loss of power occurred before the airplane collided with the ground.
Witness Observations
After the engine power fluctuations, witnesses saw the airplane pitch upward, then enter a spiral motion with the nose pointing downward. The aircraft continued in this attitude until it struck the ground.
On-Site Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane came to rest in a nose-low attitude. Debris from the airplane was scattered within an area measuring 60 feet square. The engine and propeller assemblies were found buried several inches into the ground.
Mechanical Inspection
A thorough examination of the engine assembly and the airframe was conducted. Investigators did not find any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or component failure that could account for the accident.