What happened
Following takeoff, the pilot was directed by the airport tower to switch from the tower frequency to departure control. While communications remained functional on the tower frequency, the pilot was unable to successfully transition to the new frequency as instructed. Due to this persistent radio issue, the pilot requested and was granted permission to return to the departure airfield.
During the flight back to the airport, the pilot continued attempting to resolve the communication problem. Flight tracking data indicated that while performing a left base turn toward the final approach, the aircraft flew perpendicular to the runway at approximately 1,000 feet from the aimpoint, descending to a pressure altitude of roughly 200 feet. The aircraft then performed a right turn about 0.5 miles from the runway before turning left toward the landing strip.
An eyewitness near the site observed the maneuvering and anticipated a stall. During the left turn, the airspeed dropped to approximately 53 knots. Video evidence confirmed that the bank angle increased significantly until the aerodynamic stall occurred, leading to an impact with the ground.
Findings
Investigations into the airframe and engines, including a review of engine monitoring data, found no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the crash. Although toxicology reports identified the presence of diphenhydramine in the pilot's system, there was no evidence that the antihistamine caused diminished psychomotor performance.
Investigators concluded that the accident resulted from the pilot becoming distracted by the non-critical radio malfunction, which led to an improper turn during the traffic pattern. This distraction contributed to a failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and appropriate bank angle, ultimately causing the aircraft to stall.