Accident Summary
An illegal flight originating from Carata, Colombia, ended in a crash near Gowers Corner when the aircraft experienced an engine failure during approach. The pilot lost control, and the airplane descended into a pasture, where it was destroyed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The flight was unauthorized, and documents recovered from the aircraft indicated the pilot had been flying for over 16 hours since takeoff at 0544. The aircraft was loaded improperly and was 304 pounds over its maximum landing weight. The pilot had not conducted adequate preflight preparation, and fatigue was noted. Additionally, the aircraft had been reported stolen. Weather conditions at the time included rain and thunderstorm activity, with conditions below minimums for the approach.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine failure followed by a stall and subsequent crash on approach, for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported include:
- Inadequate preflight preparation
- Improperly loaded aircraft
- Unwarranted low flying
- Pilot fatigue
- Stolen aircraft
- Rain falls
- Thunderstorm activity
- Complete engine failure
- Weather conditions below minimums
- 304 lbs over max landing weight
- Pilot flew over 16 hours since takeoff at 0544