What happened
Witnesses observed the aircraft performing a series of aerobatic maneuvers at an altitude between approximately 100 and 300 feet above ground level. During these maneuvers, the aircraft entered a near vertical descent. The aircraft came to rest upright in a shallow crater located near a residential area. Following the impact, a post-impact fire occurred.
The investigation
Investigators examined the empennage section of the aircraft and identified two marks on the aft topside section of the bellcrank housing. However, no evidence was found indicating that any foreign objects had restricted or prohibited the operation of the flight controls. The leading edges of both wings were crushed from the wing root to the wing tip. All flight controls remained within the accident site, and investigators established continuity for the left and right ailerons, as well as the elevator and rudder surfaces.