Accident Description
A student pilot, who had accumulated at least 93 hours of flight time in the accident aircraft, was conducting livestock spotting operations while flying at a low altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground. The weather conditions were turbulent, with the wind estimated at 20 knots from the northwest.
While executing a right 180-degree turn with a 40-degree angle of bank, the aircraft's bank angle exceeded 90 degrees. The pilot applied full left aileron and rudder inputs, but these had no effect on the aircraft's trajectory. The aircraft continued a rolling descent to the right.
When the aircraft descended to an estimated altitude of 80 to 90 feet above ground, the roll direction reversed, and the aircraft began rolling to the left. During this left roll, the left wingtip and nose of the aircraft struck the ground. The aircraft then cartwheeled counter-clockwise 270 degrees before coming to a stop. During the cartwheel sequence, the engine separated from the airframe. A post-crash fire subsequently consumed the aircraft.
The accident resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft by fire. No further details regarding injuries or the specific aircraft type were provided in the source.
Investigation Details
No probable cause was stated in the source material. The investigation is documented based on the factual sequence of events as reported.