Event Description
The right-seat passenger reported an uneventful takeoff and initial climb until reaching about 4,000 feet altitude. At that point, the engine sound changed and the pilot struggled to control the airplane. The airplane experienced three quick rolls, a wing dipped, and it entered a counterclockwise spin. The pilot instructed the passenger to pull the emergency parachute handle. The passenger pulled the throttle to idle, then pulled the parachute handle. Approximately four seconds later, the airplane impacted a water retention pond.
Witnesses observed the airplane descending through clouds with a partially deployed parachute.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident inspection of the engine and airframe revealed no pre-existing anomalies. Engine data from the Multi-Function Display indicated the engine operated at full power throughout the flight.
Weight and Balance
Baggage found in the baggage compartment weighed 262 pounds, exceeding the compartment's maximum limit of 130 pounds. The calculated takeoff weight was 3,733 pounds, above the maximum takeoff weight of 3,400 pounds. The center of gravity (CG) was at fuselage station 148.7 inches (32.8% mean aerodynamic chord), placing it aft of the CG limit at maximum gross weight (which ranges from fuselage station 143.8 to 148.1 inches). Thus, the airplane was overloaded and the CG was beyond the aft limit.
Performance Study
An aircraft performance study using data from the accident airplane indicated that airspeed decayed until the stall angle of attack was exceeded. The airplane remained in a stalled condition for about 30 seconds before entering a spin.
Meteorological Conditions
Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed with variable cloud bases of 400 to 1,100 feet above ground level and cloud tops reported at 3,200 feet above mean sea level.