Primary finding
Probable cause
An overload and total failure of the rear wing attach fitting.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of a homebuilt aerobatic airplane planned to perform aerobatics above his home. Witnesses observed the airplane enter a loop maneuver with an abrupt pitch up motion. As the airplane neared the top of the loop maneuver the wings folded over the canopy of the airplane. The airplane descended vertically, colliding with the ground shortly thereafter. An on-scene investigation revealed the rear spar attach fittings had failed simultaneously. The airplane's designer stated a rear spar modification had been issued to builders and owners of this type airplane. The airplane had the modification made to its structure.
Source record
Factual narrative
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