Accident Details
A private pilot with 639 hours of flight experience lost control of a vintage airplane while maneuvering approximately 1,900 feet above the ground. The pilot had departed from a local airport with a passenger for a short personal flight.
Sequence of Events
Several witnesses observed the airplane in a vertical or diving attitude but did not see the actual impact with the ground. Terminal radar recorded part of the flight, and an engine data management system installed on the airplane recorded engine parameters during the event.
Impact and Configuration
Ground scars and signatures at the initial point of impact were consistent with a high rate of descent and the airplane impacting in a level, flatt attitude. At impact, the landing gear and flaps were in the retracted position.
Aircraft Examination
All aircraft components were accounted for at the accident site. Flight control continuity was established, and no anomalies were found with the airframe or engine. The vintage airplane was placarded against intentional spins.