Snow S2C N1661S accident near Glenn'S Ferry, Idaho

Probable cause

Failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin while maneuvering.

NTSB analysis

While in a holding pattern circling to land, witnesses saw the left wing drop and the airplane start to spin in a counterclockwise direction before hitting the ground in a 60-degree nose-low attitude. Witnesses reported that the airplane was between 500 to 600 feet above the ground when it entered the spin. Examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of a malfunction or failure that would have affected normal operation. An engine inspection and teardown found damage throughout the entire engine consistent with the production of power at the time of impact.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08LA193 for the full record.