Accident Details
The flight was intended for check rides, with plans to shoot approaches and conduct airwork in a practice area. Before departure, air traffic control advised the crew that cloud bases were at 3,500 feet mean sea level. The terrain elevation at the accident site was 1,225 feet.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses observed the aircraft circling in a steep turn at low altitude prior to the crash. One witness reported it was circling as if to land. The aircraft then impacted the ground in a steep nose-down attitude with a slight left wing low orientation. Several witnesses stated that one or both engines sputtered before the crash.
Engine and Airframe Examination
Post-accident examination of the engines revealed no indication of preimpact malfunction or failure. Inspection of the propellers indicated that both engines were producing an equal amount of power at impact. The landing gear was found in the extended position. The airwork planned for the flight included steep turns, stalls, and flight at minimum control airspeed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is loss of control in flight during maneuvering due to the pilot in command performing an improper maneuver and maintaining inadequate altitude, compounded by inadequate supervision by the check pilot, resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain.