Accident Overview
According to radar data, the aircraft climbed normally to 9,200 feet before a maneuver was performed. The aircraft then entered a near-vertical dive, with the last radar return recorded at 6,900 feet. Examination of the wreckage found that the aircraft had experienced an inflight structural breakup. No evidence was found of prebreakup failure or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, engines, engine mounts, autopilot, or other systems.
Witness Accounts
The operator reported that one employee overheard the pilot and passenger discussing rolling the aircraft prior to departure. Additionally, two company employees reported being onboard when the pilot had performed rolls on prior occasions, one of which occurred at night. Both occupants were killed in the accident.
Investigation Findings
Radar data indicated the aircraft climbed normally to 9,200 feet at which time some maneuver was performed with the aircraft. The aircraft then entered a near vertical dive and the last radar hit was at 6,900 feet. Examination of the aircraft revealed it experienced an inflight structural breakup and there was no evidence to indicate prebreakup failure or malfunction of the aircraft structure, flight controls, engines, engine mounts, autopilot, or systems. The operator reported one employee overheard the pilot and passenger talk about rolling the aircraft prior to departure, and two company employees reported being onboard when the pilot had rolled it on prior occasions. One of these was at night. Both occupants were killed.