Accomplished Warbird Pilot Lost In Aerobatic Practice

The NTSB has filed the first concrete details in the investigation into the fatal accident that claimed SNJ pilot and airshow flyer, Gary Miller. Miller was an ATP who had been flying since 14 years of age and was taught to fly by his Dad. He had over 800 hours in the SNJ/T-6 and some 2500 hours total time. Most recently, he made a living in aviation sales and as a corporate pilot. He was Reno race qualified and had raced for several years. He also was an ICAS member with a low-level aerobatic waiver.

NTSB Identification: CEN09FA425
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, July 09, 2009 in Simila, CO
Aircraft: NORTH AMERICAN SNJ-5, registration: N212TC
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On July 9, 2009, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a North American SNJ-5 model airplane, N212TC, was destroyed following impact with terrain near Simla, Colorado. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

Four witnesses observed the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers for approximately 15 minutes. They could not estimate how high the airplane was flying, but indicated it was too high to make out details on the airplane. They observed the airplane pull up vertical and perform a wing over or roll type maneuver. The airplane then entered a spin, which continued until the airplane impacted the ground. A post impact fire erupted immediately after impact.

Examination of the airplane showed the fuselage from the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer forward to the engine firewall mostly consumed by fire. The inboard half of the left wing and the inboard four feet of the right wing were mostly consumed by fire.

All flight control surfaces were present in the wreckage and flight control cable continuity was verified from all flight control surfaces to the forward cockpit.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov