Accident Sequence
After a normal ground run-up and takeoff, the vintage T-28B airplane, piloted by a 3,500-hour airline transport rated pilot, departed on a downwind departure. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of 800-1,000 feet above ground level (agl) and appeared stable in a climb parallel to the runway. While turning left, the aircraft performed one to one-and-a-half barrel rolls in level flight, then tucked under while inverted and descended nose-first into the ground.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses observed the takeoff sequence and did not notice any abnormalities or abnormal sounds from the aircraft. One witness reported a normal climb out to downwind with a normal-sounding engine. Another witness noted that after the left turn, the aircraft rolled over and flew inverted for about two seconds before impacting the ground. No radio transmissions or distress calls were received from the accident aircraft.
Wreckage and Damage
The wreckage was severely fragmented and distributed over an area approximately 110 feet long and 75 feet wide, oriented north-to-south. An extensive ground fire surrounded the debris, consuming most of the wreckage within and adjacent to the impact point. The main portion of the wreckage, including the engine, propeller, both wings, and fractured fuselage, was found in a shallow crater at the southern end of the debris field. The orientation of the engine and forward fuselage indicated the aircraft impacted in a nose-low, inverted attitude. The three-blade propeller showed evidence of rotation at impact. The landing gear was in the retracted position.
Examination
Due to extensive impact and fire damage, flight control continuity from the cockpit to the wings could not be established. However, flight control cables and push/pull rods within the empennage, horizontal stabilizer, elevators, and rudder did not reveal pre-impact anomalies. Several pieces of flight control surfaces, flaps, and wing skin material were found north of the impact crater, appearing to have been blown back during impact. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.
Aircraft Background
Prior to the accident, the aircraft had been stored in a hangar operated by an aviation museum on airport property. It had not been flown for several months. According to a family member and airport personnel, access to the hangar was not controlled, and the general public could come in to look at the aircraft. Logbooks for the aircraft were not recovered.