Airplane Yawed Left In A Slip, Then Rolled Inverted, And Subsequently Descended Rapidly

Location: Torrance, CA Accident Number: WPR23FA047
Date & Time: November 30, 2022, Local Registration: N60MY
Aircraft: Greg Hobbs Lightning Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 30, 2022, about 1100 Pacific standard time, an amateur-built experimental Lightning airplane, N60MY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in  an accident near Torrance, California. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

Preliminary ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed Zamperini Field Airport (TOA), Torrance, California, about 1042. The data showed the airplane flew several traffic patterns at TOA. About 1100, On the fourth traffic pattern and while on final approach, the last data point indicated that the airplane’s altitude was about 200 ft mean sea level, and the ground speed was about 69 knots.

Witnesses observed the airplane on short final, about 150 ft above ground level, and said that it appeared fast. Shortly thereafter, the airplane yawed left in a slip, then rolled inverted, and subsequently descended rapidly in a nose down attitude and impacted terrain. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane came to rest about 0.2 miles west of the landing runway threshold. Most of the debris was found near the main wreckage. The only portion of the airplane that was relatively intact was the empennage section. All flight control surfaces were found at the accident site.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov