What happened
Following departure from an airport located to the south, the aircraft type performed a left turn at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. The flight continued downwind toward the departure runway, reaching an altitude between 800 and 1,000 feet before executing a right turn.
An observer working at a nearby crane noted the plane traveling north before turning east directly over his position. This witness reported that the engines appeared to be functioning normally and the pilot was visible in the cockpit. However, the aircraft then underwent a sudden, steep descent.
As the plane descended, the angle of bank increased significantly. The aircraft struck a four-lane paved road with its right wing making initial contact. During the impact, the plane struck a wooden utility pole, which triggered a fire. The wreckage eventually came to a stop in a marshy area situated on the east side of the road.
Findings
Post-accident inspections of the engine, propeller, and airframe structure showed no mechanical discrepancies or failures.