Incident Overview
Following takeoff, the pilot of an ultralight vehicle climbed to an altitude of 700 feet above ground level within the traffic pattern and initiated a turn onto the downwind leg. According to the pilot's partner, the ultralight subsequently began a Dutch roll-type maneuver. After several oscillations, the vehicle stalled and entered a spin to the left.
Witness Accounts
Four additional witnesses observed parts of the sequence. They reported that the vehicle's wings began rocking while on the downwind leg, followed by the vehicle entering a spin. The pilot's partner also corroborated the sequence leading to the stall and spin.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction. The airframe and components appeared to have been intact prior to impact.
Pilot Background
The pilot had accumulated approximately 40 hours of fixed-wing flight training about nine years prior to the incident. According to the chief pilot for Mitchell Aircraft, the pilot had completed a one-week ground school course and had logged 5.3 hours of dual instruction in a two-place version of the ultralight.
Prior Performance
On the pilot's first solo flight, he did not perform satisfactorily due to a panic reaction. Following this, the pilot was advised not to fly solo until after receiving additional dual instruction.