Accident Overview
Approximately 30 minutes after the pilot's initial takeoff, witnesses observed the airplane in a steep, nose-low attitude while turning from left downwind to base for the intended runway. The witnesses reported that the airplane continued the descending turn until it disappeared behind a line of trees. The wreckage was later located in the same general area. The airplane impacted terrain in a left wing down, nose-low attitude.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a student pilot holding a current certificate. According to logbook entries, he had logged about 325 total flight hours, including 261 hours of solo flight. His medical history included nonspecific recent arm pain. The autopsy identified severe atherosclerotic heart disease as a significant finding. Toxicology tests were positive for a prescription anti-depressant.
Radio Communications
The pilot's final transmission on the Unicom frequency was a position report stating he was turning from downwind to base.
Wreckage and Mechanical Findings
A thorough post-accident examination of the wreckage found no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunction or irregularity that could have affected the airplane's performance.