Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Ground During Low Pass and Roll Maneuver (N44T)

Alpine, TX, US

On August 8, 1997, a Beech G35 (registration N44T) was involved in an aviation accident near Alpine, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's performance of aerobatics at low altitude and his failure to maintain aircraft control. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane conducting a low pass performed an aileron roll, pitched nose-down while inverted, and struck the ground, with no preimpact mechanical issues found.

Accident Overview

Witnesses at the airport observed an airplane make a low pass down the runway. After the low pass, the airplane pulled up to an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL) and rolled to the left. One witness reported that when the airplane reached the inverted position, its nose was pointed downward. Another witness stated that the airplane completed an aileron roll, began a second roll, and upon reaching the inverted position, pitched down "just like a split S." Both witnesses indicated they had observed the pilot rolling the airplane many times before.

Impact and Wreckage

Witnesses off the airport reported seeing the airplane's right wing tip and nose simultaneously impact the ground. The accident site was located about 1/4 mile from the departure end of the runway.

Examination

Examination of the airplane wreckage at the accident site revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical discrepancies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08609. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.