On February 08, 2010, about 1250 Pacific standard time, an experimental Yakovlev Yak 52, N52VY, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Redlands, California. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot, who was the owner, and second pilot were killed; the airplane was substantially damaged. The local area personal flight departed from Redlands about 1230. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Numerous witnesses to the accident were interviewed by a Safety Board investigator. One witness reported observing the airplane perform aerobatics and then return to the airport. The pilot shut down the airplane and deplaned. Shortly thereafter, he boarded the airplane and departed again, proceeding directly to the aerobatic box just northeast of the airport. The airplane completed several loops and other stunts over the course of about 10 minutes. The witness observed the airplane in a rapid descent in a nose low position with the wings rocking about the longitudinal axis.
Another witness stated that the pilot asked for a funnel to put oil in the onboard smoke system. A short while later, the airplane departed and the pilot performed aerobatics for about 10 to 15 minutes. The witness observed the airplane at a low altitude begin a spin with white smoke emanating from the smoke machine. The airplane's rotation increased as the airplane neared terrain and subsequently crashed.
The wreckage was located at an elevation of about 1,660 feet mean sea level (msl). The accident site was approximately 1.2 nautical miles from the Redlands Municipal Airport on a bearing of 60 degrees. The main wreckage, consisting of the fuselage, tail section, and wings, had come to rest within the aerobatic box designated near the airport. The wreckage was on relatively flat terrain consisting of rocks and low vegetation.