Pilot Debrief

CROSLEY VANS RV-8 near Armistead, CA — 2011-12-10

Final reportWPR12FA062
Sign in to save
Date
2011-12-10
Location
Armistead, CA, USA
Aircraft
CROSLEY VANS RV-8
Registration
N948RC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers.

NTSB narrative

Multiple witnesses located near the accident site reported observing the accident airplane flying over their position about 130 feet above the ground followed by it performing several barrel rolls. The airplane was observed making a 180-degree turn when it initiated a loop at a low altitude. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain in a near-vertical attitude before the maneuver was completed. Witnesses further reported that the engine seemed to be developing power at the time of the accident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps