Accident Details
The accident site was located on the pilot's brother-in-law's property. The airplane came to rest upright in a field approximately 495 feet west of two trees, each about 75 feet tall, situated on a hill. Several freshly broken branches were observed near the top of the northern tree. The airplane's left wing tip, strobe light, and strobe light power supply were found on the ground near the tree, along with numerous broken branches of varying thickness.
Witness Accounts
The pilot's brother-in-law, who was inside the house at the time, reported hearing the airplane buzz the house at a very low altitude. He stated that the airplane did not move beyond hearing distance as he could hear it banking. Shortly thereafter, he heard the impact and, looking out, saw the airplane totally engulfed in flames. He noted that the power was on at impact and that he did not hear the engine under stress or missing.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions.
Pilot Information
The pilot's most recent FAA second-class medical certificate, issued about six weeks before the accident, recorded 600 hours of total flight experience. At that time, he reported having flown 90 hours in the preceding six months.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported at an airport approximately 22 miles north of the accident site were from 340 degrees at 12 knots, with gusts to 16 knots.