Maneuver and Witness Observations
A witness observed the aircraft in visual conditions at a high altitude, describing it as 'appeared fast.' The witness reported that the aircraft made a wide, shallow left turn, then turned back the other way. Subsequently, the nose of the aircraft began to gradually lower, and the airplane eventually came straight down and started to spin. The witness lost sight of the aircraft behind hilly terrain and did not see the impact.
Radar Data
Radar data indicated that the aircraft completed a figure-eight maneuver at approximately 3,000 feet AGL, with an estimated airspeed of 140 knots and an approximate 40-degree bank angle before leveling out at the completion of the maneuver. The radar data then showed level flight followed by a rapid descent.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft collided with terrain in a slight nose-down attitude, located in a gully with an approximate 30-degree bank angle. The aircraft then slid downhill to the right and came to rest with the fuselage upright, while the empennage was twisted to the right and inverted. No evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction was found during the examination.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause attributed the accident to the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.