Background
The accident occurred during a 'pinch hitter' course, in which the wife of the airplane owner was receiving flight instruction. A guideline for instructors of this course referenced maximum bank angles of 30 degrees and advised not to frighten the student.
Flight Sequence
After one touch-and-go landing, the airplane was observed to enter a steep 360-degree turn, apparently for spacing behind another aircraft. The aircraft then descended and disappeared behind trees. Witnesses heard a surge of power before impact.
Post-Accident Findings
An examination of the certified flight instructor's (CFI) logbook revealed that he had not logged flight time in the make and model of the accident airplane, although he had flown on a previous flight with the owner. The logbook was current through two days before the accident. No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found.