Accident Details
A newly certificated private pilot, who had recently graduated high school, was flying with two friends from his school. The aircraft was observed maneuvering at low airspeed and altitude near the residence of one of the passengers. According to a witness who held a flight instructor qualification, the airplane was at approximately 40 feet above ground level when it entered a steep turn with a bank angle exceeding 80 degrees. Subsequently, the nose of the aircraft dropped sharply, and it impacted the ground.
The crash site was located 3/8 mile east of the front seat passenger's home. An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the accident.
Witness Accounts
The brother of the front seat passenger reported that he was on a cell phone call with the passenger at the time of the accident. The passenger instructed his brother to go out onto the deck of the house, as the aircraft was going to fly over. When the brother stated he had not seen the airplane, the passenger told him to wait on the deck while the aircraft turned around and made another pass overhead.
Investigation
Investigators conducted a thorough examination of the accident site and the aircraft remains. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were identified. The investigation focused on the pilot's experience and the circumstances of the flight.