What happened
During an instrument approach to the airport, the pilot was operating under low-visibility conditions, with visibility reported at 2 miles in fog, haze, and light mist. After emerging from the cloud layer, the pilot was seen performing a low-altitude circling maneuver on a closed left downwind for runway 30.
As the aircraft transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, observers noted a significant increase in engine power accompanied by a very steep bank angle. During this maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently struck the ground in a nose-low, inverted position. A fire broke out following the impact and destroyed the wreckage. The accident occurred approximately one minute after sunset.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in 900-foot overcast conditions.
- The crash resulted in two fatalities.
- The sequence of events involved a loss of control during a steep turn.