Incident Overview
The owner and pilot-in-command (PIC) departed on a local flight with another occupant seated in the front seat. The front seat occupant held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine and multi-engine ratings, as well as a flight instructor rating, but had no prior experience in the A75 aircraft model.
Flight Events
While airborne, the PIC allowed the front seat pilot to assume control of the aircraft. As the front seat pilot initiated a turn at low altitude near the airport, the PIC advanced the throttle to maintain airspeed during the maneuver. At that moment, the front seat pilot believed the PIC had retaken control and that they were returning to the airport.
Descent and Impact
The aircraft continued its turn and entered a descent. The PIC thought the front seat pilot remained in control and intended to execute a low pass. Because the front seat pilot was a flight instructor with over 1,000 hours of flight time, the PIC did not question the maneuver. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the ground while still in a steep descent.