Pilot Debrief

EXTRA EA-300 near Santa Barbara, CA — 2009-04-20

Final reportWPR09LA203
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Date
2009-04-20
Location
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Airport
SBA
Aircraft
EXTRA EA-300
Registration
N101PK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain for undetermined reasons while performing aerobatics.

NTSB narrative

A witness observed the airplane performing aerobatics over the ocean for about 10 minutes prior to the accident. The maneuver was the same; the airplane would fly straight up, roll 360 degrees as in a loop, descend, and then pull back up into the same maneuver. On the maneuver that culminated in the accident he saw the airplane fly straight up, flip over, and enter into a 45-degree descent toward the water. He expected the airplane to pull up into the same maneuver; however, the airplane continued its descent until it impacted the water. The witness reported that he was not able to see any detail as the airplane was off in the distance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided aerobatics below 3000 feet to ensure safety.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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