Accident Overview
An aerobatic airplane with two pilots on board crashed into trees after performing a barrel roll at low altitude near a dam. The first pilot, a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI), had invited a second pilot, a private pilot, to accompany him on a personal flight. The first pilot occupied the rear seat, while the second pilot sat in the front seat.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses observed the airplane flying approximately 10 feet above a lake. The aircraft then began a climb over a dam and executed a barrel roll about 100 feet above the dam. During the maneuver, the airplane descended into tall trees located on a hillside near the lower, dry section of the dam. The engine was operating under power at the time of impact.
Investigation Findings
An examination of the wreckage and the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Investigators determined that the first pilot had a recent history of performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers. Additionally, he had a recent history of personally performing such maneuvers when he took passengers or other pilots with him. Autopsy results found no evidence to indicate that anyone other than the first pilot was manipulating the controls at the time of impact.