Pilot Debrief

BIRCHLER BOYD EAGLE 540 near Kokomo, IN — 2012-06-09

Final reportCEN12CA360
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Date
2012-06-09
Location
Kokomo, IN, USA
Airport
KOKK
Aircraft
BIRCHLER BOYD EAGLE 540
Registration
N34BJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.

NTSB narrative

The pilot planned to depart the runway and then turn left toward a row of trees for an aerobatic demonstration at a local air show. At a set distance from the trees, his plan was to roll the airplane inverted and then climb away from the trees. However, during the performance, he realized that the airplane wasn’t going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he tried to increase the airplane’s climb angle, but the airplane struck the trees. The pilot continued the airplane’s climb and returned to the airfield for a landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and horizontal stabilizer during the collision with the trees. The pilot reported that the primary cause of the accident was “misjudgment in distance” and “pilot error.” He also indicated that the wind was occasionally gusty, but he was unable to ascertain whether that was a factor.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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