What happened
The aircraft impacted the ground during an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL). Several witnesses on the ground observed the sequence of events leading to the crash. They reported seeing the aircraft initiate a loop or a climbing roll, followed by a steep dive directly into the terrain.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding area for any signs of mechanical failure. The examination revealed no evidence of failure or malfunction of the aircraft prior to impact. The structural integrity of the airframe was consistent with high-energy impact forces rather than pre-existing defects.
Findings
The investigation highlighted that the pilot had extensive experience, with most, if not all, of their flight time accumulated in this specific type of aircraft. Despite this familiarity, the aircraft failed to recover from the aerobatic maneuver. The lack of mechanical issues suggests the cause was related to the execution of the maneuver itself rather than equipment failure.