Accident Description
The accident occurred as the airplane was returning to its home base from a local round-robin flight. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was on final approach when the pilot, without advising the tower, executed a 360-degree left turn. After completing the turn, the aircraft proceeded inbound toward the runway.
Witness Accounts
Both witnesses observed the airplane touch down approximately 1,000 feet down the runway on the right main landing gear. It bounced once and began a slow turn to the right. The aircraft then climbed to about 50 feet above ground level (AGL), descended slightly, and struck the top of a 40-foot high tree located just outside the airport perimeter fence. Subsequently, the airplane nose-dived into the ground and burst into flames.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane and its logbooks revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Weather Conditions
The reported wind conditions at the time of the accident were 150 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots.