What happened
Shortly before the accident, the aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude and slow speed through the hilly terrain located just east of the eastern end of Riffe Lake. During this flight, the airplane executed a steeply banked turn and reversed its course. Following this maneuver, the aircraft disappeared behind a line of trees and subsequently impacted several trees situated along the slope of a steep incline.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection was conducted on the aircraft and its engine. This examination revealed no evidence of any malfunction or anomaly regarding the operation of the engine or the flight control system. Records indicated that the aircraft had taken on 8.25 gallons of aviation fuel approximately 70 minutes before the accident occurred.