What happened
A commercial pilot was performing his seventh hour of dual familiarization training in the airplane when the accident occurred. The aircraft approached the airport from the east, flying over the south end of the airfield before executing a left teardrop turn toward runway 34.
Witnesses at the airport observed the aircraft on final approach to runway 34 at approximately 150 feet above ground level. During this phase, witnesses heard power being applied to the engine. Following this application of power, the right wing dropped, causing the airplane to impact the ground and strike a steel pole. The aircraft came to an upright stop.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included a reported wind from the south at 10 mph. Data from two weather observation facilities located 7 miles northeast and 9 miles northwest of the site, recorded two minutes prior to the event, indicated winds between 11 and 13 knots with gusts reaching up to 20 knots.
The investigation
An examination of the airframe and engine was conducted. Investigators found no pre-impact anomalies that would have prevented the proper operation of the engine or the airframe.