Aerobatic maneuver leads to inverted stall and crash during airshow

Casualties unknown • Claremore, OK, US

A pilot performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers during an airshow experienced an inverted stall, resulting in an aircraft impact and post-impact fire.

What happened

During an airshow routine, a pilot with 1,700 hours of flight experience was performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers following takeoff. According to a witness present at the event, the initial takeoff roll and rotation appeared normal, though the aircraft was traveling at a slower speed than usual for this routine.

As the pilot rolled the aircraft into an inverted position, the pitch angle increased beyond normal parameters, and the expected gain in airspeed failed to materialize. The right wing of the aircraft remained low as the pitch angle increased while the elevator was in the full down position. This sequence led to what was described by a witness as an inverted stall situation. The aircraft subsequently descended into the runway in an inverted state, which resulted in a post-impact fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an inverted stall during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-23 Yakovlev YAK 52 accident near Claremore, OK?

A pilot performing low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers during an airshow experienced an inverted stall, resulting in an aircraft impact and post-impact fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-23 involved a Yakovlev YAK 52, registration N2331C, at Claremore, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an inverted stall during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050725X01083. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…