Pitts S-2B | N79AV

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the Private Pilot rated accident pilot as aircraft owner and pilot in command did allow the aircraft to enter either intentional slow flight, a stall, or an aerodynamic spin at an altitude below the minimum safe altitude as required for such intentional maneuvers. The CFI rated passenger was likely providing aerobatic instruction to the accident pilot. The aircraft was observed in a fully developed spin all the way to impact.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to avoid intentional aerobatic flight below an altitude that would allow extra safety margin in case of a delayed recovery.