20150116000729A

On January 16, 2015, about 1100 EST, an Aventura II, was substantially damaged when impacting the terrain at Sebring airport (ksef). VFR conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed during the demonstration flight. The flight operating under part 91 departed runway 14/32, at 10:55 and crashed during the landing approach at approximately 11:00. The aircraft powered by a Rotax 912 uls engine, did not appear to have any mechanical issues. Also equipped with a ballistic recovery system, that was apparently removed therefore questioning the aircrafts current weight & balance at the time of the accident. Aircraft records available do not document load configurations or recalculations of the operating weight and center of gravity position without this being installed. Runway conditions were good and reported winds calm. It was stated the aircraft was performing and on its fifth pass when the aircraft pitched upwards, rolled left and nosed down impacting the ground in a vertical position therefore, the debris path was compact, another small scar was located where the engine was resting after separation via authorities in order to remove the bodies. The nose section was crushed. Two of the three propeller blades broke about 6 inches from the hub. Engine examination showed normal wear, with the fuel system showing no impedance of flow or leaks. Several items were identified as beyond life limits per the manufacturer and were required to be replaced and were not to date. Other than minor impact damage, the engine shows no abnormalities or malfunctions that weren?t already identified. The engine was started and ran through various power settings with no hesitations noted and appears there was not a power loss. The wings exhibited crushing damage to include the entire span of the leading edge. Continuity was obtained within the flight controls, although cable tension may be of interest and appeared to be loose but, cannot be substantiated as a deficiency. Previous log book entries show maintenance/adjustments had been performed on such cables. When viewing the elevators it revealed an asymmetry defect whereas, the left elevator indicated approximately 15 degrees down and the elevator trim fully deflected and the right elevator at neutral. The elevator horn revealed the left side contained bends in the positive, top edge and a negative direction on bottom edge. The right side had no damage therefore, does not indicate a design feature. Witness statements reported audible loss of engine power prior to the decent and another reported seeing a flutter within the tail, particularly in the elevator trim area. During the inspection found the trim tab connecting cable disconnected at the attachment pin, not associated with the impact. The cockpit was crushed and the seats and securing devices remained intact. Other equipment installed such as, an ELT was found to be armed but, overdue the battery replacement. The aircraft hour meter showed the aircraft had 362 hours and was pending a sale. Further review of the maintenance log books revealed the aircraft did not have a current ?condition? Inspection recorded in the log books. The last inspection performed was on 11/17/2012, according to the log books. Several amateur videos captured the aircraft however, are not inclusive of the crash.