Overview
At approximately 1725 mountain daylight time on July 4, 2024, a Game Composites LLC GB1 Gamebird (registration N786AE) sustained substantial damage following an accident near Irwin, Idaho. The pilot, the sole occupant, received fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot of a second aircraft, he and the accident pilot had been practicing formation aerobatics for an upcoming airshow in a designated aerobatic practice area west of Alpine Airport (46U) in Alpine, Wyoming. After completing the paired maneuvers, the other pilot departed the aerobatic box to allow the accident pilot to perform solo aerobatic sequences.
Witnesses on the shores of Palisades Reservoir observed the airplane executing a series of solo aerobatic maneuvers. During the final series, the aircraft was seen climbing nearly vertically with the aerobatic smoke activated, then performing a tight, pivoting turn that transitioned into a vertical descent. From this orientation, the airplane entered a flat spin, completing several rotations before assuming a nose-low attitude and impacting the water.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane struck Palisades Reservoir and came to rest inverted in approximately 10 feet of water, about one mile west of the departure end of runway 31 at Alpine Airport. All major components of the aircraft were accounted for. The wreckage was subsequently relocated to a secure facility for further examination.