Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB ERA14FA445
NORTH AMERICAN T 28C — Alton, VA
| Date | September 19, 2014 |
| Location | Alton, VA |
| Aircraft | NORTH AMERICAN T 28C |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering-aerobatics Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 46 |
| Pilot total time | 1,410 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | 999,999 hrs |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - F
What happened
A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at an automobile racing facility and received a text message from the pilot that the airplane would fly over in 6 minutes. The accident airplane then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second pass. Although the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, video evidence indicates that it was only 100 feet above ground level, which was not high enough to complete the maneuver. The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.