Accident Overview
An airplane entered a left-hand traffic pattern for a runway. On the downwind leg, its average groundspeed was 130 knots. During the final approach, the average groundspeed increased to 146 knots. Radar data indicated that from the last radar position, the pilot would have needed to fly a descent angle of 5.06 degrees to reach the runway threshold.
Witness Observations
An ear-witness located at the airport reported hearing a reduction in engine power from a left downwind position, as if the airplane was preparing to land. The witness subsequently heard the airplane fly the traffic pattern, then heard engine power being applied "as if the pilot was intending to go-around or had performed a touch-and-go." Shortly after, the witness heard two bangs followed by a louder bang.
Impact and Post-Crash
The airplane collided with trees near the departure end of the runway, then struck a paved road. It came to rest inverted on the side of the road and was consumed by fire. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps and landing gear were in the retracted positions.
Aircraft Examination
No anomalies with the engine or aircraft were found that would have prevented normal flight operations.