What happened
During an ASR approach to runway 32, the pilot notified air traffic control that the airport was visible and that a circling maneuver would be performed to land. This communication occurred approximately nine seconds after the approach controller notified the pilot that the flight had passed the missed approach point. Witnesses observed the aircraft traveling in a northwesterly direction west of the runway at an altitude of roughly 150 to 200 feet above the ground.
Following this observation, the aircraft entered a steep left bank, estimated between 60 and 80 degrees. The aircraft then pitched nose down, striking trees, a fence, and the ground. A small fire occurred at the crash site following the impact, which was subsequently suppressed by the fire department.
Findings
An inspection of the airframe showed no signs of mechanical failure or malfunction regarding the flight controls prior to the impact. The engine was evaluated on a test bench; after replacing components that had sustained damage during the crash, the engine was found to be operating normally. Investigation into the cabin interior revealed that the lap belt attachment point on the far right aft seat failed due to excessive loading during the event.