Accident Sequence
According to witness statements, the airplane performed low passes over a ranch before striking power lines. One witness reported hearing the airplane buzz the ranch, after which it flew into power lines, resulting in extensive damage to the aircraft. Another witness observed and heard the airplane buzz the ranch on two occasions. The first pass was closer to the Gunnison River, while the second pass was nearer to the house and orchard where power lines were located. The witness heard the impact and then saw the airplane cartwheeling in the field.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies in its systems. There were no mechanical or structural issues identified that could have contributed to the accident.
Toxicology Results
FAA toxicology testing detected tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana) in the pilot's system. The levels suggest that the pilot had used marijuana very recently relative to the time of the accident, likely within three hours, and that the pilot was impaired by its effects at the time of the accident.