Video taken by witnesses as a replica Spitfire plunged into the ground, killing the pilot, could hold the key to finding the cause of the crash.
Roger Stokes, 73, died on Sunday when the plane he built from a kit nosedived into a factory carpark in Adelaide's northern suburbs as he took part in a local air show.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators were on the scene on Monday but said it could take some time to determine what went wrong.
Lead investigator Richard Davies said they would rely on physical evidence and statements from witnesses, including video footage of the crash.
The ATSB has called for anyone with video to come forward.
Investigators will also examine the wreckage and the accident site, collect maintenance and pilot records and examine air traffic control radio and radar data.
Witnesses to Sunday's crash told the Adelaide Advertiser the Spitfire went into an uncontrolled nosedive close to a soccer oval.
One said the plane appeared to do a barrel roll when a wing gave way.
"It was twirling, turning on its back and going nose first," he said.
The organizers of the air show said they would cooperate fully with the investigation into the crash.
Bob and Margaret Jarrett said Mr Stokes was a passionate aviator who offered their event great support.
"His loss will be felt across the amateur aviation community," they said in a statement.
Fellow Spitfire enthusiast Langdon Badger said he could not believe the crash was the result of pilot error, describing Mr Stokes as an outstanding engineer and pilot.
"It is a tragic loss," Mr Badger told ABC radio.
"He was a lovely fellow and a brilliant engineer and an excellent pilot."
Mr Stokes had spent four years and $250,000 building the three-quarter-scale Spitfire.
In an interview in 2010 he said he had always been impressed with the shape, finding it funny that something so beautiful was produced to fight a war.
"It's a dream to fly," he said.
"I get as much enjoyment out of other people's enjoyment because everybody loves it."
http://www.couriermail.com.au
Collision with terrain involving amateur built scale replica Spitfire Mk XXVI, VH-VSF near Parafield Airport, South Australia, 17 March 2013
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