Flight Purpose and Sequence
The flight was intended to survey the farm's fields, with a pilot (one of the farm's owners and the aircraft owner) and a farm worker aboard. The passenger reported that the pilot fueled the aircraft before departure. After takeoff, they flew over fields northwest of the farm, starting in the north and working south. The passenger stated that after surveying all fields, they turned toward Wilbur Airport, which was the last thing he remembered.
Crash Site and Conditions
The crash site was located approximately midway between the Sheffels Ranch private airstrip (about 5 nautical miles north-northwest of Wilbur Airport) and Wilbur Airport. No other witnesses were identified. The accident occurred around local sunset. Nearby weather observation stations reported visual meteorological conditions with light to calm winds at the time.
Post-Accident Examinations
Examination of the aircraft wreckage indicated a relatively low-speed, right-wing-first impact with the terrain. No evidence of mechanical or structural problems with the aircraft or engine was found. An autopsy and toxicological tests revealed no significant underlying disease or impairing substances in the pilot.