Accident Sequence
An airplane performing aerobatics between 3,000 and 4,000 feet above ground level impacted terrain. According to a witness pilot flying in loose trail behind the accident aircraft, the accident pilot had briefed maneuvers including climbs, dives, turns, barrel rolls, and loops.
The witness observed the accident aircraft initiate a high G pull-up. At the top of the climb, the aircraft nosed over and began a slight left turn. The left turn then became a hard left, which developed into a partial snap roll followed by a spin to the left. About three to four turns were observed before the aircraft began to recover. However, during the recovery, the aircraft struck the ground in a near-level attitude and burst into flames.
Witness Account
Weather conditions at the time were light winds and clear skies. The second pilot provided the only eyewitness account of the events leading to the impact.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the remains of the rear control stick were not found in the female attachment fitting. The aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook states that the aircraft loses 500 feet of altitude for each full spin rotation. Examination did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction.