Accident Sequence
The airplane collided with the terrain following an in-flight loss of control. The pilot had completed a series of high-speed, low-altitude passes down runway 26. During the next pass, he flew at a low speed in a nose-high attitude with the landing gear extended and flaps set to 10 degrees. As he neared the end of the runway, he initiated a climb by increasing the nose pitch attitude and adding power, but the airplane descended to the ground.
Pilot and Witness Accounts
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures. Witnesses observed that as the pilot approached the departure end of the runway in a slow flight attitude, the nose of the airplane continued to pitch up. The aircraft continued to fly for a short time in a near-stall attitude. Approximately three seconds prior to impact, the engine rpm increased.
Post-Impact Examination
The airplane impacted the ground with the main wheels. The nose wheel sheared off, and the airplane came to rest on its nose with the tail elevated in the air. No further details were provided regarding damage or injuries.