Introduction
An amateur-built, experimental single-engine airplane collided with terrain while performing a series of aerobatic maneuvers, according to a witness. The aircraft was described by the witness as executing a specific sequence of movements repeatedly.
Witness Account
The witness reported seeing the airplane pull up, roll, and then dive until out of sight. This same maneuver was performed several times. At the bottom of each dive, the engine accelerated and the airplane began another climb. During the final maneuver, however, the witness did not hear the engine accelerate nor see the airplane climb again following its descent.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact anomalies to the airframe or engine. The pilot's logbooks and the airplane's builder and maintenance records were not recovered. The private pilot had accumulated approximately 288 total flight hours, of which an unknown amount were flown in the accident airplane. It is uncertain whether the pilot obtained any aerobatic flight training.