Overview
A pilot-rated witness observed the airplane during the final approach to the destination airport. The witness reported that the airplane was flying slowly, with a high pitch attitude, and was "wallowing" as if nobody was flying. The airplane stalled and impacted the ground about 300 feet from the runway.
Sequence of Events
GPS and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data captured the accident flight. The ADS-B data ended about 0.24 miles before the accident. GPS data indicated that the airplane’s speed was at or near the published stall speed for the airplane’s given loading condition. The pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease during the approach, increased pitch attitude, and exceeded critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin into terrain.
Aircraft Examination
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Examination of the airplane verified flight and engine control continuity. No preimpact anomalies were found with respect to the airplane, engines, or systems.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control at an altitude too low to recover.