RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - The Air Force has completed its investigation of the July 9, 2009, T-6A Texan II accident near Mantee, Miss., which resulted in the loss of the aircraft.

The accident investigation board (AIB) determined the cause of this mishap was a result of pilot error.

Student pilot 2nd Lt. Falah Al-Obaidi, an international student in the Aviation Leadership program was flying a solo mission in a T-6A assigned to the 37th Flying Training Squadron. The mission was to practice aerobatics in the Columbus Air Force Base Area 5 Military Operating Area.

About 45 minutes into the flight, the student pilot began a series of aerobatic maneuvers, beginning with three leaves of a clover-leaf pattern and ending with two consecutive loops. According to the investigation report the maneuvers were characterized by incorrect airspeed throughout.

On his final loop, Lieutenant Al-Obaidi released back pressure on the control stick, stabilizing the T-6A at 90 degrees nose up. As the aircraft lost airspeed it transitioned into a steep right bank dive. When the pilot attempted to recover to level flight the steep nose down attitude and rapidly decreasing altitude caused him to think he'd entered a spin or spiral. Once his altitude was below 6,000 feet, the pilot elected to eject.

Lieutenant Al-Obaidi was treated for minor injuries and released from Columbus (Miss.) Baptist Hospital. The T-6A was completely destroyed and there was minor property damage at the crash site.

Col. Eric A. Kivi, 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirtland AFB, N.M., headed the accident investigation board.