What happened
The aircraft was being operated by a pilot who was in the process of receiving dual instruction but held an expired student pilot certificate. During the flight, the pilot proceeded to the site of an automobile accident. While in transit, the aircraft descended to approximately 800 feet AGL, violating company minimum altitude limits. The pilot then initiated a series of steep turns while maintaining a slow airspeed. Ground witnesses observed the aircraft perform an abrupt maneuver before entering a spin that resulted in the aircraft impacting the ground.
Findings
Investigation into the flight revealed that the aircraft was loaded in excess of its maximum gross weight, with the center of gravity positioned outside the rear envelope limit. Further evidence from statements provided by other pilots indicated that the pilot frequently utilized cross-control techniques to achieve a better view of the ground during flight.