What happened
On October 5, 2024, at approximately 14:56 EDT, a Fokker D-VIII Replica (registration N94100) crashed near Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94) in Rhinebeck, New York. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as part of an airshow demonstration routine. The flight was intended to last approximately 10 minutes.
According to witness accounts and video evidence, the aircraft departed NY94 at approximately 14:53, initially flying north before turning right to fly south along the airshow line. During the southbound pass, the air boss—an experienced individual familiar with the aircraft's Gnome 9N engine—noted a sudden engine roughness. As the pilot executed a 270-degree left turn, the air boss notified ground crews to prepare for a possible precautionary landing due to the engine issues.
As the flight continued, the pilot performed a 90-degree right turn and then a 180-degree right turn to fly south again. During these maneuvers, the air boss reported that the engine was no longer firing on all cylinders despite operating at full power. Approximately 2 minutes and 16 seconds into the routine, the engine suffered a total loss of power. Shortly thereafter, a large fire erupted in the forward section of the aircraft, and parts were seen separating from the airframe. The aircraft pitched downward and impacted in a wooded area. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
An examination of the Gnome 9N engine following the accident revealed that the cylinders for the number 6 and number 7 positions had separated from the engine. The engine crankcase also exhibited a wide crack located between the threaded mounting bosses of the separated cylinders. The wreckage was kept for further analysis.