Casualties unknown

2002-09-29: North American AT-6D (N29930) — Circleville, OH

Circleville, OH, US

On September 29, 2002, a North American AT-6D (registration N29930) was involved in an aviation accident near Circleville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the course reversal, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an airshow, the lead airplane of a four-ship single-file pass initiated a climbing right turn for course reversal. Near completion, it suddenly rolled further right, pitched nose down, and impacted the ground almost vertically. No mechanical anomalies were found.

Overview

The accident occurred during an airshow performance involving a formation of four aircraft. The accident airplane was the lead of a four-ship single-file pass. After passing the end of the runway, it began a climbing right turn to reverse its course. Near the turn's completion, the airplane suddenly rolled further to the right, the nose pitched down, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground in an almost vertical attitude.

Accident Details

The airplane, flying as the leader of the four-ship formation, completed the single-file pass along the runway. At the termination of the pass, it initiated a climbing right turn with the intention of reversing direction. During the final portion of the turn, the aircraft experienced an uncommanded increase in roll angle and a nose-down pitching motion. This sequence of events led to a nearly vertical impact with the terrain.

Investigation

Following the accident, investigators conducted an examination of the aircraft. They reported that no mechanical anomalies were found. The investigation did not identify any preexisting issues with the airplane's systems or structure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021003X05263. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.