Accident Summary
The airplane impacted terrain following an in-flight loss of control while on approach to Runway 12. The front seat pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the pilot-rated rear seat occupant sustained serious injuries.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported observing several approaches where the nose would rise above level flight during or after the turn, and right rudder was applied to align the nose with the runway, causing a skid. The witness stated, "I commented to my wife that the technique used would likely be disastrous some day for whoever was flying the plane." On the accident approach, the same technique was visible: a close-in base leg with a relatively flat turn (bank angle) and skid from right rudder application. Suddenly the right wing dropped, rotation began, and the aircraft contacted the ground nearly straight down, about a block from the end of the runway facing west/northwest. The witness noted the engine sounded as if full throttle had been applied in an attempt to recover from a spin. The aircraft spun to the right and hit the ground.
Another witness stated that the rear seat belt appeared neatly tucked in on the left side, and the right side belt was hanging out of the aircraft, from which the rear seat occupant exited.
Occupant Statements
The pilot-rated rear seat occupant reported that the aircraft did not assume a nose-up attitude before nosing over. He stated that he and the front seat pilot alternated flying takeoffs and landings, and the front pilot was flying the accident approach. He did not describe a typical pattern when asked. He reported no binding in the aircraft controls and normal engine performance. The operator had endorsed both pilots' applications for instructor ratings.
Aircraft Examination
Leading edge nicks and chordwise abrasion were found on both propeller blades. Flight control continuity was established to all control surfaces. The engine exhibited thumb compression at all cylinders, and the magnetos produced a spark when rotated by hand. Control continuity to the engine was established. An aluminum-colored seat belt end from the rear seat was found detached from its fastener; the fitting's hole was deformed and a section was torn in the radius area.
Injuries
The front seat pilot was fatally injured. The pilot-rated rear seat occupant was seriously injured.