December 10, 2011, Armistead, Calif., Vans RV-8 Experimental

The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1316 Pacific time when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. The solo commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. Multiple witnesses observed the accident airplane flying northbound over their position at about 130 feet agl. The witnesses observed the airplane initiate a right turn to the east before performing several barrel rolls. The airplane turned west and performed a loop. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain during the maneuver.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A solo commercial pilot was fatally injured when their airplane crashed after performing several low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers, including barrel rolls and a loop.
Witnesses observed the aircraft at approximately 130 feet above ground level prior to and during these maneuvers.
The plane sustained substantial damage upon impacting terrain, with witnesses reporting that the engine appeared to be developing power at the time of the accident.

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The airplane was substantially damaged at about 1316 Pacific time when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. The solo commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

Multiple witnesses observed the accident airplane flying northbound over their position at about 130 feet agl. The witnesses observed the airplane initiate a right turn to the east before performing several barrel rolls. The airplane turned west and performed a loop. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain during the maneuver. Witnesses further reported that the engine seemed to be developing power at the time of the accident.