Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged the aerobatic maneuver recovery altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The certificated airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was nearing completion of an aerobatics demonstration flight at an air show. Witnesses observed the pilot perform a 'split s' maneuver, during which time the experimental micro jet was rolled inverted to a nose down attitude. The airplane descended from the entry portion of the maneuver in a wings level dive to about a 60 to 70 degree nose down attitude until colliding with the ground. A video tape taken by a spectator shows that the airplane's attitude did not change prior to impact. There were no mechanical malfunctions found.
Source record
Factual narrative
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