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.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A solo private pilot was fatally injured and their airplane substantially damaged after crashing during a practice aerobatic flight for an upcoming competition.
  • The accident occurred shortly after the pilot transmitted "my stick broke," leading to witnesses observing the airplane descend in a nose-down attitude and impact terrain.
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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.

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