Accident Overview
On an early morning training flight from Santa Ana, a crew consisting of a captain and a copilot proceeded to Lancaster-General William J. Fox Airport to follow a training program. After completing several touch-and-go landings, the crew lost control of the airplane during the initial climb of a subsequent touch-and-go. The airplane swerved on the runway and eventually crashed.
Injuries and Fatalities
The copilot sustained serious injuries, while the captain was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a ground loop and controlled collision with the ground during initial climb after the crew failed to maintain directional control while completing a touch-and-go landing.