Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting a soft wheat field while performing basic flight maneuvers. The accident occurred during a training flight in a local practice area approximately 25 nautical miles from the departure point. The pilot, an instrument-rated private pilot with 184 hours of flight time, and a student pilot passenger received minor injuries and exited the aircraft unassisted.
Maneuver Sequence
According to the pilot's report on NTSB Form 6120.1, the flight initially focused on ground reference maneuvers. The pilot first executed S-turns across a road, then practiced "turns around a point" at an altitude of about 800 feet above ground level. During the turn-around-a-point maneuver, the pilot reported that the airplane encountered "a sudden downdraft" that "pushed the airplane to the ground." The pilot's control inputs were ineffective, and the airplane struck the ground in an upright position.
Impact and Damage
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the site noted that upon initial ground contact, the nose landing gear dug into the soft soil, sheared off, and the airplane flipped upside down approximately 200 feet from the first impact point. The nose gear assembly was found about 50 feet south of the aircraft's final resting position. The airplane sustained structural damage to the fuselage, wings, and engine mounts.
Engine Examination
An airframe and powerplant mechanic performed an engine examination and teardown in the presence of the FAA inspector. No engine anomalies were identified that could have prevented normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting facility, located about 5 miles east of the accident site, reported winds from the southwest at 14 knots gusting to 18 knots, clear skies, visibility of 10 miles, and a barometric pressure of 29.87 inches of Mercury.
Occupants and Injuries
The pilot and the student pilot passenger sustained minor injuries; both were able to exit the airplane without assistance.