On June 12, 1993, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N2977A) was involved in an aviation accident near Texas City, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the airplane while performing aerobatic maneuvers. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control of an airplane while performing aerobatic maneuvers over a reservoir, entering a spin after a hammer head stall. The aircraft impacted a levee, and the pilot ejected on impact.
Incident Overview
An airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers over a reservoir lost control and crashed. According to the investigation, the aircraft was observed executing a hammer head stall before entering a spin. The subsequent impact occurred on a levee located on the eastern side of the reservoir.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was conducting aerobatic flight when the aircraft entered a spin following a hammer head stall. The maneuver entry altitude remains unknown. Just prior to impact, the pilot attempted to parachute from the airplane. Upon impact, the pilot was ejected from the aircraft and landed in the water.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the loss of control occurred during the aerobatic sequence. The exact cause of the loss of control was not further specified beyond the pilot's inability to maintain control during the maneuvers.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the airplane while performing aerobatic maneuvers.