Accident
After passengers deplaned at Mexico Airport, Missouri, the pilot began a return flight to his base at Lebanon-Floyd W. Jones Airport. While on approach, the pilot executed acrobatic maneuvers. During these maneuvers, control of the aircraft was lost, and the airplane crashed into a field.
The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and operational circumstances. They found that the pilot had initiated low-level acrobatics over the airport before losing control.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was loss of control after the pilot exercised poor judgment. Contributing factors reported by the investigation included:
- Improper operation of flight controls
- Failure to maintain flying speed
- Unwarranted low flying
- Failure to follow approved procedures
- Low-level acrobatics over the airport
- Stall following recovery from a roll