On February 7, 1993, a Cessna 140 (registration N76970) operated by Hunt, Marion G. was involved in an aviation accident near Jefferson, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AEROBATICS AT LOW ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the pilot performed a high-speed low pass at approximately 10 feet above the runway, followed by a sharp pull-up and rapid roll to the right. The airplane impacted a wooded area in a left wing low attitude. The pilot had World War II experience flying P-51s and occasionally flew aerobatic exhibitions.
Flight Maneuvers
After takeoff, the pilot remained in left traffic and executed a high-speed low pass at approximately 10 feet above the runway. As the airplane approached the center of the airport, a sharp pull-up to approximately 250 feet was observed. The airplane then executed a rapid roll to the right. Power was heard being added as the nose pitched down near the completion of the roll.
Impact
The airplane impacted in a wooded area adjacent to the airport in a left wing low attitude.
Pilot Background
According to friends, the pilot flew North American P-51s during World War II and occasionally flew aerobatic exhibitions at airshows.