Reply #15: There are some extremely good photos showing the trim tab coming off.

[mn9driver]

As the Ghost pulls up and rolls, it can be seen trailing off the back edge of the elevator, attached on only one end. Then, it comes off.

At the speed these aircraft are racing at, the trim tab is set VERY nose down. Under these circumstances a sudden loss of the tab will cause a drastic and immediate pitch up. G induced loss of consciousness would be the likely result, and it has happened before. The Ghost's tail wheel is also clearly extended in the photos, which may be further evidence of a high G pull up.

I would post these photos but they aren't mine and they haven't been published yet as far as I know. I expect they will be public soon because they are so amazingly clear and detailed, showing the sequence of the tab as it comes off and falls away from the aircraft. They've been forwarded to the NTSB. The acquaintance that took them also told me that the impact crater appeared to be about 3 feet deep and 10 feet across.

This is a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to all those who were injured or killed, and their families.