Pilot Debrief

CLAUS RODNEY L CHRISTEN EAGLE II near San Angelo, TX — 2011-04-17

Final reportCEN11FA299
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Date
2011-04-17
Location
San Angelo, TX, USA
Aircraft
CLAUS RODNEY L CHRISTEN EAGLE II
Registration
N38RC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver.

NTSB narrative

Radar data depicted the airplane performing several maneuvers shortly after takeoff consistent with aerobatic flight at altitudes below what is permitted by Federal regulation and below what is recommended as minimum altitudes for aerobatic flight. The airplane departed controlled flight and impacted the ground. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction or failure of the airplane. The pilot's logbook did not note any formal aerobatic training.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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