Background
The flight was a predator control operation targeting coyotes over private rangeland. The pilot was seated in the forward seat of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
At an altitude of approximately 40 feet above ground level, the passenger inadvertently discharged a semiautomatic 12-gauge shotgun. According to the pilot, the weapon fired three to four times. The projectiles struck the right wing, fuel tank, and aileron assembly.
The pilot reported that the damage resulted in a loss of aileron and elevator control. Subsequently, the airplane entered a descending turn to the right and impacted terrain in a nose-low attitude.
Damage and Fire
Upon touchdown, the aircraft caught fire and continued to burn after impact.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures that contributed to the accident.