The airplane was substantially damaged and its solo private pilot fatally injured upon impacting terrain while maneuvering. Visual conditions prevailed for the practice aerobatic flight. Prior to a scheduled aerobatic competition, the pilot was engaged in a practice session. Witnesses observed the accident airplane conduct an approximate “30-degree downline to gain airspeed” from about 3500 feet agl. Shortly thereafter, witnesses heard a transmission in the blind from the accident pilot stating “my stick broke.” Subsequently, witnesses observed the accident airplane descend in a nose-down attitude into terrain.
April 8, 2010, Borrego Springs, Calif, Rocket F1 Experimental
The airplane was substantially damaged and its solo private pilot fatally injured upon impacting terrain while maneuvering. Visual conditions prevailed for the practice aerobatic flight. Prior to a scheduled aerobatic competition, the pilot was engaged in a practice session.
Key Takeaways:
- A private pilot was fatally injured and their airplane substantially damaged during a practice aerobatic flight.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft conduct a maneuver before the pilot transmitted "my stick broke."
- The airplane was subsequently seen descending in a nose-down attitude until it impacted terrain.
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