At about 1245 Eastern time, the aircraft was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. The solo Commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness who lived about seven miles from a nearby airport observed the accident airplane on final approach. The witness stated the landing gear was extended and he did not notice anything unusual. The wreckage was located the next day about mile east of the intended runway. An approximate 200-foot debris path was observed, originating with tree strikes and extending on a course of approximately 095 degrees. The elevator trim jackscrew corresponded to an approximate neutral/slight nose up position. The rudder trim jackscrew corresponded to an approximate neutral/slight nose right position. The landing gear and flaps were retracted. One left propeller blade was curled at the tip, one blade exhibited s-bending, and one blade was buried. On the right propeller, one blade was bent aft, and the other two blades were buried. A nearby weather report at 1254 included wind from 240 degrees at nine knots, gusting to 20 knots; visibility 10 miles; an overcast ceiling at 4800 feet; temperature 39 degrees F.
