Engine Problem Led To Attempted Emergency Landing

The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, has released a preliminary report on the February crash of the historic Douglas A-20G Havoc during the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association’s Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular at the Laredo International Airport (KLRD) in Texas.

The aircraft developed what appeared to be an engine problem near the very end of its routine, and when the pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing, the aircraft’s right engine was trailing smoke and the aircraft decelerated below its minimum controllable airspeed. It impacted terrain short of the runway threshold with its landing gear retracted and a subsequent fire began.

The aircraft was substantially damaged, and the solo pilot sustained serious injuries but is said to be recovering. However, the agency said he does not recall any details about the accident.

The FAA said ADS-B data showed that the A-20G and another airplane, a North American Aviation B-25 Mitchell bomber, flew into the show area from the north and successfully completed several flybys for their performance. As the aircraft performed their final flyby, the A-20G showed no indications of a mechanical issue and there was no smoke trailing it.

The report said, “The Air Boss stated that after the final flyby both airplanes were supposed to depart the traffic pattern toward the north before the next air show act began. However, contrary to the briefed plan, the Douglas A-20G airplane entered a left turn over the north end of the airport. The Air Boss radioed the pilot to ask if everything was okay, and the pilot replied ‘No, I have a problem, I have a problem.'”

The NTSB will continue to examine the aircraft and a final report will be released at a later date. NTSB final reports typically can take up to two years post-accident to be issued.

FMI:  www.ntsb.gov/