Pilot Debrief

AERO VODOCHODY L39C near Davenport, IA — 2012-09-01

Final reportCEN12LA602
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Date
2012-09-01
Location
Davenport, IA, USA
Aircraft
AERO VODOCHODY L39C
Registration
N139GS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded operation.

NTSB narrative

The accident airplane was part of a 3 airplane airshow demonstration performance. After overflying the spectators and flying away from the flightline, the airplanes were executing a crossover break maneuver, which the accident airplane was in the left wing position. During the crossover break maneuver, the lead airplane first entered a climbing maneuver, the left wing position airplane entered a right turn, and then the right wing position airplane entered a left turn with adequate longitudinal spacing. During the maneuver, the accident airplane entered the right turn, descended, and impacted the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued. No evidence of any in-flight collision with the other airplanes was observed. Witnesses reported that they did not observe any movement of the airplane's flight control surfaces prior to the airplane impacting terrain, which would be inconsistent with the pilot attempting to recover from the descent. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were noted with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided G-induced loss of consciousness during the maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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