What happened
Witnesses observed the aircraft climb to an altitude between 200 and 300 feet AGL. During this phase of flight, the airplane entered a steep right turn. One witness reported that the aircraft emerged from the turn in an upside-down position, at which point it pointed its nose straight down and struck the ground. Another witness described the aircraft coming out of a roll-over before plunging directly into the earth.
The final maneuver involved a change in heading from a southerly, upwind direction to a northerly, downwind direction. At the time of the accident, witnesses reported strong and gusting winds measuring between 35 and 45 mph originating from the south. The impact was characterized as being near vertical. All major components of the aircraft were located within 40 feet of the initial ground scar.
The investigation
A physical examination of the airplane and the engine was conducted. This inspection did not reveal any structural or mechanical anomalies.