Pilot Debrief

EXTRA FLUGZEUGPRODUKTIONS-UND EA 300/L near Aledo, TX — 2020-12-17

Final reportCEN21LA091
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Date
2020-12-17
Location
Aledo, TX, USA
Aircraft
EXTRA FLUGZEUGPRODUKTIONS-UND EA 300/L
Registration
N102JK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an upright spin into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The experienced aerobatic pilot completed a formation flight with another airplane and then climbed to about 4,200 ft above ground level (agl) to practice aerobatic maneuvers. Flight track data showed the airplane performing maneuvers for about 3 minutes and ended as the airplane descended through 3,200 ft agl. The airplane continued to descend and impacted flat terrain in a nose-down, upright attitude with minimal forward momentum. A postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Based on the circumstances, the airplane’s condition at impact, and the statements of airshow pilots familiar with the pilot’s flight training, he likely flew an aerobatic maneuver that transitioned to an upright spin that he was unable to recover from before ground impact.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided aerobatic maneuvers without recent practice.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 13 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents13

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