What happened
The aircraft was participating in an airshow performance designed to depict a student pilot flying without an instructor. Video footage of the flight indicates the plane was initially maintaining level flight at approximately 100 feet above the ground. As the aircraft began a left turn, it pitched up by about 5 degrees before pitching down.
During the turn, the bank angle increased to approximately 90 degrees. At the 90-degree point of the turn, the airplane's pitch decreased to roughly 30 degrees below level flight. The aircraft continued this downward pitch until it collided with the ground. Video analysis noted that the rudder was moving left and right throughout the descent. Control positions observed on the tape showed the ailerons were set for a right bank, while the elevator remained in the up position during the latter half of the flight.
The investigation
An on-scene investigation was conducted to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the crash. Investigators found no anomalies with the engine or the airplane's flight control system that would have prevented normal flight. At the time of the accident, surface winds were recorded at 15 to 20 knots, with gusts reaching up to 28 knots.