Accident Details
The airplane involved in the incident received substantial damage upon impacting terrain during maneuvering flight. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger suffered serious injuries. The purpose of the flight was to track weather balloons.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's statement, the flight involved multiple passes over a road. On the third pass, the pilot executed a climbing turn followed by a descending turn, a maneuver similar to hundreds of previous flights. However, the pilot noted that insufficient power was applied during the climbing turn. During the subsequent descending turn, the rate of descent became too high, such that the intended level-off point was below ground level. At the moment of impact, the airplane was in an almost three-point attitude with full power applied, but the pilot stated that the attitude was not maintained long enough to arrest the descent.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon impact. The pilot reported minor injury, and the passenger received serious injury. No further details about the extent of damage or specific injuries were provided.