Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN T 28C near Alton, VA — 2014-09-19

Final reportERA14FA445
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Date
2014-09-19
Location
Alton, VA, USA
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN T 28C
Registration
N531KG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at an automobile racing facility and received a text message from the pilot that the airplane would fly over in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second pass. Although the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, video evidence indicates that it was only 100 feet above ground level, which was not high enough to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the barrel roll due to insufficient altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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