AERO VODOCHODY L-29 — Tehachapi, CA

What happened

The accident airplane was participating in formation flight consisting of three airplanes. The lead pilot of the formation reported that after overflying the city in a trailing formation, the flight conducted a series of turns and the number two and three (accident airplane) were to join up on his left and right wing. As the flight conducted a right turn, the number two airplane joined up on the lead pilot’s left wing and the number three airplane was observed passing the lead pilot to his right. As the turn continued, the lead pilot observed the accident airplane pitch upwards and roll to the left over the formation. Witnesses located near the accident reported observing a three-jet formation overfly the area at an altitude of about 500 feet above ground level (agl). The accident airplane was observed trailing the other two airplanes. The witnesses reported that the three airplanes initiated a right turn to a northerly heading and the accident airplane made a sharp right climbing turn to join up with the other two airplanes. Subsequently, the accident airplane pitched upwards and rolled to the left over the other two airplanes, transitioning from the right side to the left side. Witnesses further reported that the accident airplane completed the roll in a nose low attitude and descended into terrain where a post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.