20061111028199A

(-23) Evidence indicates that the aircraft, a zenair 601 xl was maneuvering in the vicinity of sky bryce airport (VG18) just prior to the accident. Witnesses report an aircraft matching this description operating very low and slow, using high bank angles and at least one surge to a high power setting. The final witness in point of time reported the aircraft flying over her at very low altitude in a moderate left bank. She said the engine was initially very loud but then went silent for about five seconds after which she heard it hit the trees and crash. The aircraft impacted the tops of trees in a densely wooded area and dropped almost vertically, approximately 60 feet to the ground. The aircraft was destroyed by impact damage and the single occupant received fatal injuries. There was no post crash fire. Recovered sections of the propeller showed no evidence of rotational damage. There was no evidence of pre-impact aircraft damage and all sections of the aircraft were within five feet of the wreckage or were still attached. Continuity of all control surfaces was confirmed. The engine was essentially intact and all mechanical components operated normally during rotation. Both wing fuel tanks were found to be intact and empty. Disassembly and drainage of available fuel system components netted less than two ounces of avgas fuel remaining in the wreckage.