At approximately 1430 Pacific time, the airplane impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The flight instructor and student pilot were killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness said the airplane approached her position in a school yard full of children at very low altitude. She thought it was a sailplane because she did not hear any engine noise. Then she saw the airplane turn right and away from her towards rising terrain. The aircraft then “fell” into the trees.
December 10, 2009, Ojai, Calif., Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk
At approximately 1430 Pacific time, the airplane impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The flight instructor and student pilot were killed. Visual conditions prevailed.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced a fatal loss of control while maneuvering, resulting in the deaths of both the flight instructor and student pilot.
- A witness observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude over a school yard, noting no engine noise and initially mistaking it for a sailplane.
- The plane then turned away towards rising terrain before "falling" into trees.
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