What happened
While returning to Gore Aerodrome from a private airstrip, a light aircraft was observed flying in a stable cruise at approximately 400 feet above the ground. A witness on a nearby farm noted the aircraft passing over the property in normal flight. Shortly after this passage, the aircraft suddenly rolled to the left and transitioned into a steep, uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden loss of control during the cruise phase of the flight. Investigators examined the possibility of mechanical failure, specifically looking at the condition of the right rear support strut for the horizontal tailplane. While the investigation could not rule out a potential in-flight failure of this strut, its role in the accident was not definitively established.
Findings
The primary cause of the accident was the sudden collapse or death of the pilot during flight. This medical event was attributed to a chronic disease that had gone undetected by the pilot's medical examiners. The loss of pilot control led directly to the left roll and the subsequent steep dive. The rear seat occupant was unable to recover the aircraft from the descent before the impact.