Amateur-built Kitfox Ser 5 Outback N781VP accident near Apple Valley, California

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses observed the accident airplane flying low, about 200 to 300 feet above the ground, when it banked sharply to the left, stalled, and then began to spin prior to impacting the ground. Due to the airplane damage, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors who responded to the accident site were not able to determine if there were any mechanical problems prior to impact. According to a pilot/mechanic who performed the annual inspection on the airplane about a month prior to the accident, he had several conversations with the accident pilot regarding the pilot's unease about flying alone since he had not flown the airplane for some time. The pilot's spouse reported that she knew of no known medical problems with her husband. She also said that he had not flown the airplane since the last annual inspection.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA264 for the full record.