Accident Overview
Judges from the International Aerobatic Club witnessed the accident while grading the pilot's aerobatic performance. The pilot was executing the 1994 Intermediate Known Sequence, which included a hammerhead turn course reversal. The maneuver called for a 1/4 roll on the up line and a 1/4 roll on the down line.
Sequence of Events
Following the hammerhead turn, the aircraft descended vertically. Witnesses reported that they did not observe any attempt to initiate a pullout until the aircraft was very near the ground, at which point a change in attitude of 10 to 15 degrees was noted. The engine continued to operate at near full power throughout the maneuver until ground impact.
Wreckage and Flight Controls
All components of the aircraft were accounted for along the wreckage path. An examination of the entire flight control system documented no discrepancies. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the investigation source.