NTSB Identification: SEA08LA120
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, May 02, 2008 in Vancouver, WA
Aircraft: Yakovlev Yak 52, registration: N62813
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On May 2, 2008, approximately 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Yakovlev Yak 52 airplane, N62813, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Green Mountain Airport (WA67), Vancouver, Washington. The commercial pilot and his passenger were killed. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight that departed from WA67 about five minutes prior to the time of the accident.

A witness located at WA67 reported observing the airplane depart the airport to the west and execute a 180-degree turn towards the airport. The witness stated the airplane made a high-speed pass over the runway about 30 to 40 feet above ground level (AGL) on an easterly heading and pitched upwards abruptly near the end of the runway and proceeded to climb out at a steep angle. During the steep climb out, the airplane was observed performing an "aileron roll to the right." At the completion of the roll, the airplane was in a level attitude when a slight movement was observed "as if it [the airplane] hit turbulence." The airplane subsequently descended below a tree line in a slight nose low attitude.

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane came to rest upright within a wooded area. All flight control components were located at the accident site. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.