Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB near Marysville, OH — 2011-12-22

Final reportCEN12LA112
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Date
2011-12-22
Location
Marysville, OH, USA
Airport
MRT
Aircraft
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB
Registration
N161PC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from the terrain while performing low-level aerobatics.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing low-level aerobatics for a ground-based observer for the purpose of renewing his low-level aerobatic competency waiver. As the airplane was pulling out from a dive while performing a maneuver described by the observer as a “modified clover-leaf/split-‘S’,” the airplane struck the ground in a wings-level attitude. The observer noted that nothing sounded out of the ordinary with respect to engine operation during the flight. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no anomalies that could be attributed to a preexisting failure or malfunction. Based on the witness description and the postaccident examination, it is likely that the pilot misjudged the aerobatic maneuver and had insufficient altitude to recover from the ensuing dive.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the maneuver that led to loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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