Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) and the aircraft owner-pilot were conducting a flight that progressed normally until the return to the airport for landing. The aircraft received clearance to land on runway 09L. The CFI, occupying the right front seat, reported that after lowering the landing gear and selecting 10° of flaps, he experienced excessive back pressure on the control yoke to prevent the aircraft from descending. He was unable to relieve this pressure using either electrical or manual trim controls. The pilot-owner, seated in the left front seat, attempted to use his electrical trim at the CFI's request, but this did not alleviate the condition.
Sequence of Events
The CFI then retracted the flaps and increased engine power, but the aircraft continued to settle. Subsequently, the aircraft struck a tree and a utility pole, then impacted the ground and hit a vehicle before coming to a stop. A fire erupted, and all three occupants sustained burns while evacuating. The pilot-owner later died from his injuries; the CFI survived. The third occupant's condition is not specified in the report.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no pre-impact part failure or malfunction. Flight test data regarding the aircraft's thrust-drag ratio indicated that induced drag increases rapidly below 90 knots. Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared low and slow on final approach.
Probable Cause Findings
The official investigation identified the following contributing findings:
- Occurrence #1: In-flight collision with object during approach (VFR pattern final approach).
- The pilot in command (CFI) made improper in-flight planning/decision.
- The descent was inadvertent.
- The pilot in command (CFI) did not maintain airspeed.
- The pilot in command (CFI) did not maintain proper altitude.
- The aircraft encountered objects: tree(s) and a utility pole.
- Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water during uncontrolled descent.
- The aircraft struck a vehicle.