Accident Description
According to the investigation, the pilot of a Bellanca 8KCAB attempted an aerobatic roll maneuver at an altitude lower than 100 feet above ground level. The aircraft impacted the terrain at the completion of the maneuver. No anomalies with the aircraft or its engine could be associated with any pre-impact condition.
Owner Manual Guidance
The Bellanca 8KCAB Owner Manual includes a warning about aerobatic altitude: "Remember, altitude is your best insurance when doing aerobatics. According to Federal Aviation Regulations, the minimum legal altitude for aerobatics is 1500 feet AGL. Keep in mind that 1500 feet is therefore the minimum recovery altitude from any inadvertent maneuver and that 1000 feet of altitude can often be lost in a three-turn spin."
Regulatory Requirements
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.303, titled "Aerobatic Flight," prohibits any person from operating an aircraft in aerobatic flight below an altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level. The regulation defines aerobatic flight as "an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft's attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight."
Investigation Findings
The aerobatic roll was initiated at an altitude below 100 feet AGL, far below the regulatory minimum. The aircraft was not found to have any mechanical or engine issues prior to impact.