Accident Summary
An airplane flying at low altitude during daytime experienced a sudden loss of control and impacted a sod field. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying north at low height before it began a series of erratic movements. The airplane came to rest approximately one-quarter mile east of a highway after a right-wing-low impact.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses driving north on an adjacent highway reported seeing the airplane flying low to the ground in a northerly direction. One witness described seeing the airplane's wings rock from side to side, followed by a pitch-up motion. Shortly afterward, the airplane's nose dropped, and it struck the ground with the right wing low. The airplane came to rest in a sod field. One witness who exited his vehicle noted a strong smell of fuel in the area.
Passenger Account
The surviving passenger provided a statement after the accident. She reported that the airplane "shuttered" and that multiple alarms activated inside the cockpit. According to her recollection, they were approximately 500 feet above ground level and attempting to climb. She stated that the pilot could not reach the fuel tank selector switch, so the front-seat passenger operated it. The passenger was unsure whether the engine was restarted after any interruption. She reported hearing the front-seat passenger make a mayday radio call but could not recall events after the impact.
Aftermath
The airplane came to rest in a sod field without further damage beyond the initial impact. The source does not provide details on the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, time, weather, or ATC involvement. No injuries or fatalities are mentioned. The probable cause of the accident is not stated in the source.