At 1253 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed during an in-flight collision with terrain and post-impact fire. Visual conditions prevailed for the IFR flight. The pilot and sole passenger sustained fatal injuries. At 1251, the pilot informed ATC the flight was airborne. About 1252, the pilot said he needed to return to the airport because a “compartment” had come open. Shortly afterward, the pilot stated he had an engine failure and was declaring an emergency. Witnesses observed the airplane approach from the west with its landing gear retracted. The airplane banked left in an apparent attempt to line up with the runway. The left wingtip struck the ground and the airplane impacted an open grass area south of the runway. A post-impact fire ensued.
