Accident Overview
A night approach to Athens-McMinn County Airport ended in tragedy when the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a crash in flames adjacent to the runway. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was on a night approach to Athens-McMinn County Airport. During this approach, the pilot executed a low pass over the runway. Following the low pass, the pilot initiated a turning pull-up type maneuver. While performing this maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft then descended and collided with the ground in flames, coming to rest near the runway. The aircraft was completely destroyed, and both occupants were killed.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. According to the findings, the accident was an uncontrolled collision with the ground caused by improper operation of the flight controls. Specifically, the pilot lost control during the turning pull-up type maneuver that followed the low pass over the runway. The investigation concluded that the loss of control directly led to the uncontrolled collision with the ground, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and loss of life.