Incident Overview
An aerobatics flight instructor intentionally entered an inverted left spin using left rudder to demonstrate the maneuver to his student. After approximately five or six rotations, the instructor was unable to recover and requested the student's assistance. The student applied full right rudder and noted that the rudder was already in the full right travel position. The student also reported that the instructor was probably not 'on the controls' at that time and that engine power had been reduced at spin initiation and did not change.
Bailout and Impact
The instructor subsequently told the student to bail out, which he did successfully at about 250 feet above the ground. The airplane, with the instructor still strapped in the rear seat, impacted the ground and was destroyed.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical deficiencies. The rudder was found in the full left (left pedal) position at the accident site. One propeller blade exhibited damage typical with some applied power at impact.
Pilot Experience and Aircraft Weight
The instructor had about 18 hours of total time in the accident aircraft make and model and had not flown during the previous 30 days. The airplane was 52 pounds over gross weight at the time of the accident.