Accident Overview
While performing aerobatics, the airplane stalled, entered a spin, and collided with the ground in an uncontrolled descent. The pilot and passenger had departed from a nearby airport for a local area scenic flight.
Witness Observations
A witness reported seeing the airplane conducting a series of loops and turns. Another witness observed the airplane pitch up, turn to the left, and then enter a counterclockwise spin prior to impact with the ground.
Pilot Background
According to the pilot's family, he did not typically perform aerobatics in the airplane. The pilot had purchased the airplane about two months before the accident and had accumulated approximately 41 hours in the accident airplane.
Weather and Post-Accident Examination
A Safety Board meteorologist reported that an evaluation of surrounding weather at the time of the accident indicated clear skies. Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any control or powerplant malfunctions.
Medical Conditions
The pilot had severe coronary artery disease noted on autopsy and a history of Type II diabetes, which had not been revealed to the FAA. It was not possible to determine whether symptoms from these conditions contributed either to the pilot's decision to engage in aerobatics or his ultimate failure to maintain airspeed.