Flight Sequence
The instructional flight was intended to practice instrument approaches to local airports. Witnesses reported seeing the airplane overfly the accident airport at an altitude of approximately 1,200 feet above ground level. Their attention was drawn to the airplane when they heard the engine either shut down or reduce power to idle. The airplane then glided and executed a low pass down runway 05 at an altitude of 200 to 300 feet above ground level.
Maneuver and Impact
Following the low pass, the airplane initiated a steep left turn toward runway 30. During this turn, the nose pitched downward, and the aircraft struck the ground with its nose and left wing tip. The impact occurred approximately 150 feet to the right of runway 30 centerline.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine was conducted at the airplane recovery facility with Federal Aviation Administration oversight. All engine systems and functions were checked for operational condition. Fuel was found in the gascolator housing, and the fuel flow divider screen was clean. The three propeller blades exhibited torsional twisting, leading edge damage, and chordwise striations.
Airport and Aircraft Configuration
The accident airport was uncontrolled and operated on a common traffic advisory frequency of 123.05 MHz. One communication radio was found set to 123.3 MHz. The airport was unattended on the day of the accident. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the wing flaps were extended an estimated 10 to 15 degrees, the landing gear was retracted, and a dual control yoke was installed.