[TylerE]

Barring a pre-crash sequence mechanical failure, this was pilot error. There is a safe speed called Va, or maneuvering speed. While most aircraft will have higher maximum allowed speeds, maneuvering speed is the most important figure for aerobatics because it's the maximum speed at which the airplane's flight controls can be used at full deflection (i.e. maximum effort) without exceeding the structural capabilities of the aircraft.

What most likely happened was was a loss of situational awareness in the pre-loop dive, resulting in a steeper and faster dive than intended.

[rconti]

Wouldn't be altitude since it was at sea level, but maybe air pressure due to temperature? But, at sea level, seems like he'd be cutting it way too close regardless.

[TylerE]

No.

That's just... such a marginal thing. It's like complaining your supercomputer melted because the CPU got 0.1C too hot. Like - it's technically possible, but if it's that close you were already way way way past safe and sane margins.