Accident
On final approach to Los Ángeles-María Dolores Airport at dusk, the pilot failed to recognize that his altitude was insufficient. During the short final segment, the airplane struck trees and subsequently crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact. The wreckage was located 412 meters short of runway 18. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was killed. The accident occurred 19 minutes after sunset.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined the sequence of events leading to the crash. The approach was found to have been unstable, which was identified as a contributing factor to the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was impact with trees on short final while completing a visual approach to runway 18. The approach was unstable, which was considered as a contributing factor.