Amateur-built DA-4-550 N550YS accident near Viola, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin with insufficient altitude to recover.

NTSB analysis

The pilot had been hired to do a flyby over a gathering at a private residence. Witnesses reported that the pilot was flying low, about 800 feet above ground level, over a large crowd. The airplane appeared to be in slow flight, and as it started to circle the group, the pilot began dropping streamers from the airplane. The airplane subsequently entered into a steep turn, and the airplane stalled and spun to the ground. Witnesses also reported that the engine was running and sounded "strong" throughout the accident sequence. After ground impact, a fire started and destroyed the majority of the airplane.

A postimpact examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA410 for the full record.