Pilot Reports Low Turn and Ground Impact After Spiral Maneuver (N59528)

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that he had completed at least four touch-and-go landings prior to the accident. During the downwind leg, he climbed to a higher than standard altitude to perform a spiral-to-land maneuver. He was unsure exactly how many turns he completed, but he recalled turning left base with approximately 45 degrees of angle of bank. At that point, he realized the airplane was low. He added power and control inputs in an attempt to stop the turn; however, the descending left turn continued. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground in a nose-low and left-wing-low attitude and came to rest upright.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed that the right rudder horn had failed. The failed horn was removed and subjected to metallurgical examination, which determined that it failed due to overload. There was no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The rudder stops were examined and found to be properly installed. Additionally, there was no evidence of any flight control failure or malfunction.