Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane owner took a friend for a first flight in a small airplane. After an excursion in the local area, the pilot returned to home field. The airport manager saw the airplane pass low over the runway and climb out steeply. The airplane was found one mile from the airport in a position corresponding to a downwind leg for the pattern. The airplane struck the ground heading opposite the downwind leg, 45 degrees nose down with left rotation. No material failure/mechanical malfunction was found.
Source record
Factual narrative
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