On November 3, 1995, a North American AT-6D (registration N1049A) was involved in an aviation accident near Richvale, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the attempt by the pilot to execute an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate altitude to effect recovery before impacting terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff and a reversal, the pilot performed an aileron roll. During the roll, the nose dropped and the aircraft descended too low to recover, impacting the ground and burning.
Sequence of Events
The pilot departed the airport to the north, executed a pull-up course reversal, and then flew southbound over the runway. At the south end of the runway, the pilot made a right-hand climbing turn to a northerly heading and began an aileron roll. During the roll, the nose of the aircraft dropped, and the aircraft descended with insufficient altitude to recover from the maneuver. It impacted the ground in an upright, wings-level, nose-low attitude and burned on impact.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal throughout the flight.
Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and post-impact fire.