Incident Overview
During an airshow performance, a pilot positioned an airplane's externally mounted 12-foot aerial rope ladder onto the rear platform of a truck. After receiving a radio call from the truck driver indicating the performer was ready, the pilot initiated a climb away from the truck.
The Event
At an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot reported feeling a lurch. Simultaneously, the performer lost his grip on the ladder and fell, resulting in his death.
Examination and Findings
A post-crash examination of the FAA-approved ladder and its attachment points revealed no failures or malfunctions. Review of a video recording of the routine showed that the performer's jacket inflated just before the fall.
Weather and Toxicology
The acrobatic pilot who performed the preceding routine noted that flying conditions were turbulent at altitude, but conditions at the runway surface allowed a smooth touchdown. Toxicological testing of specimens from the performer detected the presence of diazepam (Valium) and its metabolite; however, the blood specimen levels of each were below the limit of quantitation.