What happened
During a final approach, the single-engine aircraft descended too low and made contact with a metallic barrier. This impact caused the plane to bank toward the left, leading the left wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a nearby field, where a post-crash fire broke out and destroyed the wreckage.
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting rehearsals for an upcoming artillery and missile school demonstration scheduled for the following Saturday. The crash site was located several hundred yards east of the barrier that had been established to facilitate short field takeoff and landing operations.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude during its final approach.
- Impact with a metallic barrier caused a loss of control and a leftward bank.
- Both crew members were killed in the accident.