What happened
Prior to departure, the owner of the aircraft was engaged in a lengthy conversation with two visiting pilots, one of whom expressed interest in purchasing the same model. Following this interaction, the owner started the engine and taxied for departure. During the taxi, the visitors contacted the pilot via radio to request a ride.
The pilot agreed to the request, stating he would return to pick them up after completing a turn around the pattern. Upon takeoff, the aircraft performed a steep climb and leveled off at 100 feet. Approximately 200 feet past the end of the runway, the pilot executed a right turn that was opposite the established traffic pattern. The aircraft then circled back toward a runway heading.
As the flight continued, the pilot increased the bank angle to nearly 90 degrees and maintained this position until the aircraft was no longer visible to witnesses. During one half-turn, the aircraft experienced a steady loss of altitude. The flight ended when the aircraft made contact with the ground, dragging the right wing and performing a cartwheel. At the time of impact, the angle of bank was approximately 30 degrees and the rate of descent was nil. The pilot was not injured.