What happened
The pilot was conducting aerobatic maneuvers when the aircraft lost control and collided with the terrain. Witnesses described the initial phase of the flight as involving deliberate aerobatic movements before the loss of control occurred.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the crash and consulted with the aircraft manufacturer regarding the specific configuration of the airplane at the time of the accident. Technical analysis focused on the weight and balance parameters of the aircraft.
Findings
The investigation determined that the weight and balance limits of the aircraft were exceeded. Specifically, the center of gravity was located aft by a minimum of 0.5 inches beyond the allowable envelope. The manufacturer confirmed that this aft center of gravity condition resulted in deteriorated stall spin recovery characteristics, which contributed significantly to the inability to recover from the uncontrolled flight.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that weight and balance calculations are strictly adhered to, particularly when performing aerobatic maneuvers. Operating outside approved limits can severely degrade aircraft controllability and recovery capabilities.