Wingover Maneuver Precedes Ground Impact During Student Pilot Flight (N6100H)

Accident Sequence

Witnesses observed the airplane successfully take off from the 2,600-foot-long strip. Shortly after liftoff, the airplane entered a steep climb, then performed what witnesses described as a wingover-type maneuver. This was followed by ground impact in a near-vertical dive. The total flight time was estimated at 2 to 3 minutes.

Occupants and Pilot Information

The front seat occupant was a student pilot with approximately 141 total flight hours, 80 of which were in the accident make and model. He had soloed in the airplane just prior to the accident flight. The rear seat occupant was a commercial pilot with an expired medical certificate. He was a previous owner of the airplane and had logged most of his flight time in that specific airplane. It is unknown which person was manipulating the controls at the time of the loss of control or impact.