Accident Details
The experimental category Yakovlev Yak-52 was destroyed after colliding with terrain while maneuvering. The aircraft was the number two airplane in a flight of three. The first pilot, a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor, occupied the forward seat. The second pilot, a commercial pilot receiving instruction, was seated in the rear. Both were fatally injured.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after takeoff, the number three airplane, a Yak-18, returned to the airfield to secure a fuel door that had become unlatched during the initial takeoff. The pilot of the Yak-52 elected to maneuver over an area known as Cherry Point and wait for the Yak-18 to rejoin. Approximately 10 minutes later, the Yak-18 pilot rejoined the Yak-52.
The Yak-18 pilot stated that as he approached the area from the northwest, he observed the accident airplane maneuvering northeast of his position at an altitude of 1,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). He instructed the Yak-52 pilot to reverse his course in an effort to join formation flight. He reported that shortly after the Yak-52 pilot initiated a left turn to the west, the airplane "...stalled and pitched nose down at about 40-60 degrees." According to the Yak-18 pilot, the Yak-52 then rolled to the right, pitched up, and oscillated around its vertical axis.
Witness Observations
Witnesses stated that the accident airplane rotated two to three times prior to impacting terrain. The pilot of the Yak-18 stated that the accident airplane impacted terrain in a relatively level attitude with little forward motion.
Postaccident Inspection
Postaccident inspection of the airplane and associated components revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure.