Accident Overview
While the aircraft was cruising, the pilot lost control and the airplane entered a dive. It subsequently crashed into a lake located near Acworth, Georgia. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and the pilot—the only person on board—was killed. The airplane was owned by C. W. Matthews.
Investigation and Probable Cause
Investigators determined the probable cause of the accident. According to the official findings, the loss of control in flight was caused by a failure of the lower left wing spar, which was an elliptical steel tube. The failure resulted from a fatigue fracture. This structural failure led to the loss of control and the subsequent dive and crash.