What happened
A solo flight originating from Biggs AAF and Davison AAF (Fort Belvoir, Virginia) ended in a fatal accident near Piney Flats, Tennessee. While operating under night conditions, the aircraft was cruising at an insufficient altitude. During this phase of flight, the plane made contact with treetops before crashing into a forested region on Mt Holston.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot, who was the only person on board. No other injuries were reported.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was that the pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude during night operations, leading to the collision with vegetation.