Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane take off from a paved runway and initiate a left climbing turn. During the turn, at an estimated altitude of 200 feet above ground level, the airplane appeared to slow down and then stalled. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain in a nose-low attitude approximately 340 feet east of the departure end of runway 30. A post-crash fire and the impact forces destroyed the airplane.
Aircraft Examination
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of pre-impact aircraft or engine malfunctions.
Pilot Activity
The pilot was participating in a fly-in and work session organized by the Montana Pilot's Association. Participants had spent the weekend performing maintenance on the airport and its facilities. The pilot had arrived at Benchmark two days before the accident. At the conclusion of the fly-in activities, the pilot departed Benchmark with a planned destination of Helena, Montana.