Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Altitude During An Aerobatic Maneuver, Which Resulted In An Impact With Terrain

Location: Lucerne Valley, California Accident Number: WPR22FA195
Date & Time: June 2, 2022, 11:30 Local Registration: N6366M
Aircraft: Meyer Fred J Hornet Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers over desert terrain. A witness reported that the airplane entered a “barrel roll climb,” followed by a “stall.” The airplane then entered an inverted, nose-down “dive” before rolling upright, but continuing its nose-down descent. The witness then lost sight of the airplane behind trees. The airplane impacted terrain in a nosedown attitude and was significantly fragmented. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies. Flight tracking data ended about 1 mile from the accident site at an altitude about 2,725 ft above ground level (agl).

Given the available information, it could not be determined whether the pilot lost control of the airplane and was unable to recover before impacting terrain, or entered an intentional aerobatic maneuver with insufficient altitude.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an impact with terrain. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov