Accident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting crosswind landing practice. The instructor reported that the pre-flight run up and departure were successful. He recalled the student telling him to "take the airplane," but could not remember any events after that point.
The student pilot stated that the flight remained in the traffic pattern. One touch-and-go landing was completed, followed by a go-around. During the climb after the go-around, the student turned the aircraft to crosswind. While turning toward downwind, the engine lost power. The student kept control while the instructor attempted a trouble-shoot and restart sequence. The student then handed control back to the instructor but could not recall subsequent events.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported the aircraft was performing touch-and-go landings on runway 17. They observed the airplane pass over a building near the runway, pitch up, and execute a hard banking turn to the left before stalling and colliding with the building's parking lot. Another witness heard the right‑seat occupant say, "sorry I just lost it" after the accident. The aircraft struck several objects before coming to rest approximately 55 yards from the initial ground impact.
Weather and Examination
At the time of the accident, the nearest weather reporting facility recorded wind from 150 degrees at 19 knots. A post‑accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction. Damage to the propeller was consistent with the engine producing power at impact.