Incident Overview
According to witness reports, the aircraft was observed circling in the vicinity for approximately ten minutes. Following this period, the engine power decreased and the aircraft began to descend. During the descent, intermittent bursts of engine power were heard.
Final Moments
As the aircraft neared the ground, it pitched nose-up and then nose-down, accompanied by an increase in engine power. Witnesses stated that the aircraft then rolled inverted, returned to an upright orientation, and subsequently pitched down. The aircraft descended into the terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
A thorough examination of the aircraft disclosed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot was a student, and this flight was the student's first flight since August 1980.
Summary
The event involved a student pilot on their first flight in over a year. The aircraft performed a series of erratic maneuvers, including circling, altitude changes, and an inversion, before impacting the ground. No mechanical issues were identified.