At 1112 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted an open field under unknown circumstances. A post-impact fire ensued. The non-instrument-rated private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. Instrument conditions prevailed.
Several witnesses reported hearing an airplane flying low and hearing a loud snap or pop consistent with a gunshot. One witness heard a second explosion as the airplane struck the ground. These witnesses described the weather as low overcast skies with limited visibility due to light fog and mist.
