Accident Overview
An aircraft crash occurred on Tinian Island following a flight from Saipan. According to FAA airman records, the pilot did not hold a pilot or medical certificate at the time of the accident. An FAA airworthiness inspector dispatched to the island reported that the last annual inspection recorded in the aircraft maintenance records was dated 15 months prior to the accident.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The inspector noted that the airplane had been recently rebuilt with a remanufactured engine. The aircraft departed Saipan and flew to Tinian, where the pilot performed a touch-and-go landing.
Witness Accounts
Ground witnesses observed the aircraft oscillating in pitch during the initial climb after lift-off. Several witnesses reported that the aircraft "stalled and pitched over" three times during the climb. During the third stall-like maneuver, the aircraft was seen descending with wings rocking into trees approximately half a mile from the departure end of the runway.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the manually activated flaps were fully extended at the time of the accident.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing, with no further details provided in the initial report.