MIA98LA018

Witnesses stated they observed the airplane start a steep left turn, estimated more than a 45 degree angle of bank, between 150 to 300 feet at a slow airspeed. The airplane appeared to enter an accelerated stall. The nose pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground in a left wing low, nose-down attitude. Before the airplane collided with the ground, the engine was heard to increase to full power. Examination of the airframe and flight control assembly revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

On November 1, 1997, about 1548 eastern standard time, a Saldairiaga, Buccaneer II, N813LJ, operated by a private owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed in the vicinity of Clermont, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The student pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from Flying Gator Airpark, Clermont, Florida, about 1 hour 18 minutes before the accident.

Witnesses who knew the pilot stated they observed the airplane between 150 to 300 feet southwest of the airpark. The airplane entered a steep left turn, estimated more than a 45-degree angle of bank at a slow airspeed. The airplane appeared to enter an accelerated stall. The nose pitched down and the airplane collided with the ground in a left wing low nose-down attitude. Before the airplane collided with the ground the engine was heard to increase to full power.

Examination of the airframe, flight control system and engine assembly revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. All components necessary for flight were present at the crash site. Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed for pitch, roll, and yaw. An examination of the engine assembly and accessories was not conducted based on statements provided by eyewitnesses indicating the engine was operating at time of impact with the terrain.

Postmortem examination of the pilot was conducted by Dr. Susan M. Rendon, Associate Medical Examiner District Five, Leesburg, Florida, on November 2, 1997. The cause of death was injuries related to the aircraft accident. Postmortem toxicology studies of specimens from the pilot was performed by the Forensic Toxicology Research Section, Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These studies were negative for alcohol, basic, acidic and neutral drugs.