Incident Details
The aircraft was participating in an air show as a spotter plane when it collided with the ground in a 70-degree dive. It had dropped one smoke grenade and was orbiting to drop another when it turned left and pitched down.
Pre-Accident Circumstances
According to an inspection guide for this aircraft, boots are required around the front and rear control sticks at the cabin floor. Witnesses stated that boots were never installed in this aircraft. Another witness reported helping the aircraft owner remove baggage, tools, and supplies from the aircraft before the accident; one bag of tools was left under the front seat.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, tools and a metal box containing a 1/4 inch drive socket set were found around the front control stick yoke. The pilot's body was in the front seat with both hands on the control stick.