What happened
During an approach to land toward the north, the aircraft was flying the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern amidst westerly winds and gusts reaching 15 knots. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft type was on final approach, positioned approximately 1.16 miles from the runway at an altitude of 210 feet. Shortly thereafter, the plane impacted a pasture located south of the airfield in a left-wing-low orientation. The aircraft remained upright following the impact, but a fire broke out, consuming the cabin and cockpit areas. One occupant, a passenger in the rear of the cabin, survived the event.
Prior to the impact, the passenger noted turbulent conditions and a rapid descent, during which two separate cockpit warning horns were heard. These sounds were identified as the stall and landing gear warning systems. No distress signals were transmitted to air traffic control by the pilot before the accident occurred.
Findings
An investigation of the wreckage and engine testing showed no signs of mechanical failure or engine malfunction that would have prevented the aircraft from operating normally. However, evidence suggests the pilot allowed the airspeed to drop while adjusting the aircraft's alignment on the final approach, leading to a descent below the intended glide path. Notably, the landing gear was found in a position indicating it was being moved toward the retracted position at the moment of impact, suggesting the pilot was attempting a go-around maneuver. Additionally, records indicated the pilot did not have a valid flight review at the time of the accident.