Accident Overview
During a local area personal flight, the pilot performed an aerobatic maneuver. No one observed the actual maneuver, but a witness who saw the airplane seconds prior to the crash reported that it was falling "like a rock."
Aircraft and Wing Examination
The outboard 3-foot-long portion of the left wing was located in an open field approximately 200 yards from the main wreckage. Examination of the left aileron and left wing structure revealed permanent deformation in an upward (positive) direction. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness and Certification Office personnel reported no signs of a developing or preexisting condition that induced failure of the separated left wing tip.
Pilot Intent and Training
Prior to takeoff, the pilot informed an acquaintance that he planned to "do some rolls." A week earlier, he told his wife that he wanted to try to roll his airplane. The pilot had not received aerobatic flight training, and the airplane was not certificated to perform rolls.
Conclusion
The investigation found that the airplane was not certificated for rolls and the pilot lacked aerobatic training. The wing tip separated during the flight, but the source does not provide a stated cause for the accident.