Author and pilot Jeffrey Ethell was killed in a tragic crash on June 6,1997. The following information was taken from the preliminary report of the accident investigation by the NTSB. The cause of the accident is not known at this time.
Jeffrey Ethell contributed much to the world of flying, he is the author of many fine aviation books and will live on in his work. A website created in his memory has been created. http://www.ethell.com/

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On June 6, 1997, approximately 18:10 Pacific daylight time, a Lockheed P-38 "Lightning," retaining experimental registration number N7379, registered to Bruce L. Pruett, and being flown by aviation author, Jeffrey Ethell, was destroyed during collision with terrain following a loss of control while on visual approach to the Tillamook airport, Tillamook, Oregon. There was a post crash fire and Mr. Ethell was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was a practice run for an upcoming P-38 pilot convention, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and had departed from the Tillamook airport approximately 20 minutes before the accident. A witness located within a half mile of the accident site reported seeing the aircraft enter the downwind for runway 31 and then execute a 90 degree left turn to base. He reported that the aircraft flew a short distance and then began a right turn as if to execute a turn for spacing. At this time he heard two loud "bangs" and observed the aircraft execute two snap rolls to the left and descend behind trees. On site examination by FAA personnel revealed the aircraft in an upright position with no ground slide marks visible. A tree was observed standing vertically within the area defined by the twin tail-booms, the horizontal stabilizer and the wing trailing edge. A small tree was observed penetrating the right wing approximately six feet inboard of the wingtip.