Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to maneuver at low altitude and chase birds away from designated fields. According to the pilot, he had completed approximately 8 to 10 turns over the target field. During a steep "reversal turn" to the left, the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot had no further recollection of the accident.
Witness Observations
A private pilot witness located about 700 feet from the accident airplane reported observing it enter a "steep turn" to the left at an altitude of approximately 50 to 75 feet above the ground. The witness stated that the airplane "stalled and spun into the ground," noting that the engine noise became louder seconds before impact.
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.
Background Information
The Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge states that an airplane will stall at a higher indicated airspeed when excessive maneuvering loads are imposed by steep turns, pull-ups, or other abrupt flight path changes. Such stalls, termed "accelerated maneuver stalls," occur at higher-than-normal airspeeds and may be more rapid or severe than unaccelerated stalls. They can occur at lower-than-anticipated pitch attitudes and may be unexpected by an inexperienced pilot. Failure to initiate immediate recovery from an accelerated stall may result in a complete loss of flight control, including power-on spins.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.