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Casualties unknown

Aerobatic Spin Ends in Collision with Terrain (N3511L)

Fillmore, CA, US

On December 19, 1995, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N3511L) was involved in an aviation accident near Fillmore, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to take proper remedial action to recover from an intentional spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an aerobatic practice session, a pilot intentionally entered a spin from 3,000 feet AGL. The aircraft failed to respond to recovery inputs, and the pilot reported mushy controls and a flat spin. Postaccident examination revealed the pitch trim in full nose-up position.

Incident Overview

During an aerobatic practice session, the pilot intentionally placed the aircraft in a spin from 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL) before returning to the home airport for landing. According to the pilot, the aircraft did not respond to recovery control inputs and continued to spin until impact with terrain.

Pilot Observations

The pilot recalled that the controls felt mushy and that the spin seemed flat. He noted that he had performed hundreds of spins previously, but this one was different.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the pitch trim was found in the full nose-up position.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Dec 1995 Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 accident near Fillmore, CA?

During an aerobatic practice session, a pilot intentionally entered a spin from 3,000 feet AGL. The aircraft failed to respond to recovery inputs, and the pilot reported mushy controls and a flat spin. Postaccident examination revealed the pitch trim in full nose-up position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Dec 1995 involved a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2, registration N3511L, at Fillmore, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to take proper remedial action to recover from an intentional spin.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05017. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.