LAX98LA056

The pilot took off in the experimental, homebuilt airplane, for a planned series of approaches to explore the airplane's operating envelope. The first approach was performed without use of the wing flaps, and no anomalies were reported. During the next approach, the pilot fully extended the flaps. The airplane entered a left turn which, according to the pilot, could not be stopped. The pilot lost control of the airplane, it descended and collided with two unoccupied airplanes. The accident occurred during the 7th hour of the flight test program. There were no reported mechanical problems.

On December 9, 1997, at 1106 hours Pacific standard time, a Stephen B. Johnson, Bushrod, N6232F, operated by the pilot, experienced a loss of control approaching the Corona Municipal Airport, Corona, California. The experimental airplane was destroyed, and the airline transport certificated pilot was seriously injured. Two unoccupied parked airplanes were also damaged during the collision. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Corona about 1045.

The pilot indicated to the Federal Aviation Administration coordinator that the purpose of the test flight was, in part, to explore the airplane's operating envelope. The first approach and intentional go-around to runway 25 was accomplished without using the flaps, and no anomalies were reported. Full flaps were used during the second approach. The pilot reported that after the flaps were extended the airplane entered a left turn which he could not stop despite his flight control inputs, and the airplane descended. The accident occurred during the 7th hour of the flight test program. The pilot reported no mechanical problems.