Incident Overview
The aircraft was destroyed as it spun into the ground after being observed conducting aerobatic maneuvers at altitudes between 800 and 1500 feet above ground level. The maneuvers included barrel rolls and hammerhead stalls.
Final Maneuver
The last maneuver ended in a spin that lasted approximately five rotations before impact. The aircraft struck the ground in a nose-low, right-wing-leading attitude.
Weight and Balance
A post-accident weight and balance calculation revealed that the aircraft's center of gravity was at the aft edge of the allowable envelope for aerobatic operations.
Pilot Information
The pilot who had flown the aircraft one hour before the accident flight did not report any deficiencies. That pilot was experienced in Cessna 150/152 aircraft, which require different spin recovery techniques compared to the accident aircraft. Positive control inputs are necessary for spin recovery in this aircraft type.