Accident Overview
On March 29, 2015, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, two experimental amateur-built aircraft, a Vans RV-8 (N8JL) and a Vans RV-6 (N722DK), collided in midair while maneuvering near Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Both aircraft were part of "Team Aerodynamix," an air show team participating in the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local demonstration flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The RV-8 and RV-6 were both experimental amateur-built. After the collision, the RV-8 was substantially damaged, and the RV-6 sustained minor damage. Both airplanes landed without further incident. The pilot of the RV-8 and the pilot of the RV-6 were not injured.
Sequence of Events
At the time of the accident, the RV-6 and another airplane were flying in formation at an altitude of 500 feet above runway 04/22. The pilot of the RV-8 intended to circle around the two airplanes from behind. Meanwhile, an additional group of team airplanes was flying in the opposite direction. While circling in a counter-clockwise direction, the RV-8 converged on the two airplanes in formation. The propeller of the RV-6, which was flying on the right side of the formation, contacted the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer of the RV-8.
Pilot Reports
The pilot of the RV-6 reported that the maneuver required the trailing/circling airplane to maintain a distance of 100 feet behind the leading airplane. He was flying straight and level, focused on the airplane in formation on his left side, when his airplane began to experience a sudden severe vibration. Postaccident examination revealed that portions of the RV-6's propeller were missing.
The pilot of the RV-8 reported that the maneuver had been practiced many times. He began rolling to the left while positioned about 4 to 5 airplane lengths behind the two airplanes. During his third roll, his airplane had overtaken the formation during the final one-fourth to one-half of the roll. The pilot stated that he "didn't correct to compensate." He observed one of the airplanes pass off his left and heard a "bang" at that time.
Damage Assessment
Postaccident examination of the RV-8 revealed that the outboard one-third of the right horizontal stabilizer and the outboard two-thirds of the right elevator were separated. The RV-6's propeller sustained damage with missing portions.
Additional Information
No injuries were reported. The demonstration flight was local in nature.