EXTRA FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH EA 300/L — Bandera, WA

What happened

The non-instrument-rated pilot departed for the destination airport to attend an aerobatic camp. The airplane followed an interstate through a mountain pass while generally maintaining an altitude of 1,500 ft above ground level (agl). As the airplane continued along the canyon, it began to climb while its airspeed slowed, likely the pilot’s response to entering an area of higher terrain while avoiding clouds. The airplane reached an altitude of about 7,000 ft mean sea level (msl) and an airspeed of 103 kts. The airplane began descending and its speed increased to over 185 kts. The airplane then leveled off briefly before beginning a steeper descent. The airplane then made a 90° left turn and the airspeed decreased while it continued the descent. The airplane impacted terrain in a near-vertical attitude.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. The examination found evidence consistent with the pilot, who was wearing a parachute, having his seatbelt fastened at impact, which indicates he did not attempt to bail out and suggests he did not perceive the airplane to be uncontrollable.

Weather data indicated that, during the last 2 minutes of flight, the airplane was likely operating in instrument meteorological conditions above 3,000 ft msl and encountered icing conditions above 5,400 ft. Forecast information applicable to the accident time included moderate icing above 5,000 ft msl and mountain obscuration due to clouds and mist. There is no record of the pilot obtaining a weather briefing before departure. However, he had commented to the owner of the accident airplane that he might not be able to complete the flight as planned due to weather, indicating an awareness of potential overcast conditions. The pilot had flown through the pass on numerous occasions and likely felt comfortable with the route.

The altitude and airspeed changes during the final 2 minutes of flight are consistent with the pilot attempting to remain clear of clouds while maintaining terrain clearance. After the airplane climbed, it likely encountered icing conditions. Although the reason for the pilot’s left turn could not be determined, the turn occurred while the airplane was in the cloud layer and likely accumulating ice, and it is possible he was attempting to reverse course while descending. The decrease in altitude while approaching the mountain peak, the drastic changes in airspeed, and then the sharp left turn followed by a sudden descent are consistent with the pilot becoming spatially disoriented and entering an aerodynamic stall.

The pilot held the required FAA waiver for the aerobatic camp and was the only person authorized to activate the aerobatic area. This responsibility may have created self-induced pressure to complete the flight despite the adverse weather conditions.

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