Aircraft Crashes During Slow Roll After Takeoff at Sonoma Valley Airport (N46871)

Accident Overview

An aircraft crashed while attempting a slow roll immediately after departing from Runway 34 at Sonoma Valley Airport. The pilot had stated to witnesses that he liked to roll his aircraft after takeoff.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the aircraft became airborne after a ground roll of approximately 300 to 400 feet. It then climbed at a 45-degree angle to an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level. The airspeed was approximately 85 to 90 miles per hour when the aircraft rolled to the left, fell out of the maneuver, and struck the ground three-quarters of the way through the roll. None of the witnesses reported hearing or seeing any mechanical difficulties with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Pilot Statement

According to witnesses, the pilot indicated that he enjoyed performing rolls in his aircraft after takeoff. No further information about the pilot's statement was provided in the source.