Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was the pilot performing aerobatics at an altitude inadequate for safe recovery.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to witnesses, the engine lost power near the top of a loop, and the airplane was seen to enter a spiral or a spin. The engine resumed power as the aircraft began to descend, but the airplane impacted trees and terrain as the pilot began pulling out of the resulting dive.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 30, 1995, approximately 1330 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Pederson Silhouette 1, N5121P, impacted the terrain west of Corvallis, Oregon. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, received fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed. The local personal pleasure flight, which departed Corvallis Airport at an unknown time, was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to witnesses, the aircraft lost power near the top of a loop, and then was seen to enter a spiral or a spin. The engine resumed power as the aircraft began to descend, but the airplane impacted the trees as the pilot began pulling out of the resulting dive. An autopsy was performed by Dr. Wayne H. Phillips at Corvallis, Oregon, with the cause of death reported as massive traumatic injury to the head and chest. Toxicological testing was performed by the FAA Aeromedical Center, with negative results except for 2.00 (mg/dl) Acetaldehyde detected in the blood. -