Accident Sequence
A training flight involving a private pilot receiving instruction and a flight instructor proceeded with a departure on runway 06. The headwind was reported at 17 knots, gusting to 23 knots. According to witnesses, the pilot transmitted on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency the intention to practice a loss of engine power after takeoff and execute a 180-degree turn to return to the airport.
Witness Observations
One witness observed the airplane pitch up approximately 30 degrees while simultaneously banking hard to the right in an uncoordinated manner. As the aircraft rolled to the right, the nose yawed down to nearly 45 degrees below the horizon. Subsequently, the wings rolled level, but the aircraft remained pitched nose down. The witness reported that the airplane appeared to be recovering from its dive.
Another witness stated that the airplane seemed to be in a landing flare when dirt and grass were observed flying up behind the aircraft. The right wing tip and engine then impacted terrain, and a fire ensued that consumed the airplane.
Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane's right wingtip struck a 10-inch-diameter rock and immediately impacted a wire fence 10 inches above the ground. Approximately 120 feet of triple-wire fence continued with the aircraft to its point of rest. No preimpact anomalies with the engine or airframe that could have affected the aircraft's performance were identified. The weight and balance computed for the accident airplane at the time indicated that the center of gravity was approximately one inch forward of the forward limit.