December 10, 2011, Surprise, Ariz., Vans RV-7A Experimental

At about 1258 Mountain time, the airplane collided with terrain shortly after the pilot reported a controllability problem. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, who also was the builder and owner of the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Review of radar data revealed the entire flight was captured. The airplane flew about 25 miles to the northwest of its departure point, maneuvered for a short time, and then began tracking back. Its altitude varied irregularly between about 2700 and 3300 feet msl.