What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot contacted an Automated Flight Service Station to file an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. During this briefing, the pilot confirmed awareness that the departure airport was located within the Washington D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Although line service personnel reminded the pilot to contact air traffic control via telephone to obtain a departure clearance before departing, the pilot instead departed and subsequently contacted air traffic control via radio to request clearance.
The controller notified the pilot of an ADIZ violation and instructed the aircraft to land at the departure airport immediately. Following this instruction, radar data indicated that the aircraft entered a downwind traffic pattern leg, then turned toward the runway and descended. The final radar target was recorded at 300 feet near the accident site. Witnesses observed the aircraft traveling at high speed on a downwind leg closer to the runway than usual, before it entered a steep left descending turn toward the runway and disappeared from view, followed by the sound of impact.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction. Additionally, a review of the pilot's FAA airman file indicated that approximately two and a half years prior to this accident, the pilot had acted as pilot-in-command during another flight that operated within the Washington D.C. ADIZ without following required procedures.