Accident Summary
A witness reported that the airplane was observed making a low pass down the runway at an altitude of approximately 900 to 1,000 feet. The pilot then executed three barrel rolls, losing altitude during each roll. After remaining in a closed traffic pattern, the pilot made a second pass down the runway at about 100 to 200 feet. The airplane was seen to enter a pull-up and a barrel roll to the left. According to witness reports, when the airplane reached the 90-degree point of the roll, it entered a descent and subsequently crashed into the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a pre-crash failure or malfunction. The pilot had limited experience performing aerobatic flight, with only about 6 hours of flight time in this particular make and model of airplane. A colleague observed that when the pilot performed barrel roll maneuvers on previous flights, the airplane was "dishing out and losing . . . altitude on a regular basis." The colleague stated that he had informed the pilot that he should obtain some dual instruction.
Toxicology Results
A toxicology test of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.10%.