Primary finding
Probable cause
The design stress limits of the airframe were exceeded by the student pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A witness described the aircraft as descending with its wings folded in a near vertical descent. The left side of the horizontal stabilizer was folded downward nearly 90 degrees at approximately mid spar, and the right elevator and right side of the horizontal stabilizer was also folded downward in two locations. Both wings showed evidence of failing downward outboard of the wing strut attachment points. During a dual instructional flight the previous day, the student had asked his instructor to demonstrate spins. The instructor had declined, advising the student that parachutes were required for spin training.
Source record
Factual narrative
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