No fatalities

Formation Departure Leads to Gear-Up Landing

Waxahachie, TX, United States

On July 4, 2009, a NORTH AMERICAN T-28B was involved in an aviation accident near Waxahachie, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departing as number two in a formation felt airframe vibration, observed high oil temperature, and turned back. The engine then lost power, resulting in a gear-up landing and aircraft damage.

Incident Summary

A pilot departed as the number two aircraft in a three-airplane formation. During the initial departure while joining the formation, the pilot experienced an unusual vibration in the airframe. After checking the engine instruments, the pilot determined that the oil temperature was high.

Sequence of Events

Upon noticing the high oil temperature, the pilot cleared the formation and turned the airplane back toward the airport. Subsequently, the engine stopped producing power. The airplane then descended and was landed with the landing gear retracted in a cleared area. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.

Investigation Findings

An investigation into the incident was conducted. The cause of the high oil temperature could not be determined. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or other details is available from the source.

Contributing factors

Aircraft power plant — Failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 2009 NORTH AMERICAN T-28B accident near Waxahachie, TX?

A pilot departing as number two in a formation felt airframe vibration, observed high oil temperature, and turned back. The engine then lost power, resulting in a gear-up landing and aircraft damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2009 NORTH AMERICAN T-28B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 2009 involved a NORTH AMERICAN T-28B, at Waxahachie, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.