What happened
On November 8, 2025, an Extra 330/SC, registration N330SL, was destroyed following an accident near Keystone Heights, Florida. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The aircraft had flown from St. Augustine, Florida, to Keystone Heights Airport (42J) for the purpose of aerobatic practice in preparation for an upcoming competition.
Following a successful practice session by the aircraft owner, the plane was refueled and a second pilot departed for a solo practice flight. While performing maneuvers within the aerobatic box, the pilot executed a vertical climb and transitioned into an inverted spin. According to an eyewitness, the aircraft failed to stop the spin at the intended position, continuing an additional half-turn before the pilot could recover the nose to a 30-degree downward attitude. However, the aircraft then accelerated into a left-hand inverted flat spin.
Airport surveillance video confirmed that the aircraft was in an inverted flat spin to the left. The video showed the engine being advanced to full power before the aircraft became visible. The aircraft completed three rotations while in the spin and rolled upright approximately 100 feet above the ground before nosed over and impacted the ground in an inverted position. The impact resulted in 1 fatality and a post-impact fire that consumed the aircraft.