What happened
On February 16, 2025, at approximately 12:39 CST, a Douglas A-20G, registration N747HS, was involved in an accident at Laredo International Airport (LRD) in Laredo, Texas. The aircraft was being operated by Air Legends Foundation as part of a Part 91 airshow flight for the 2025 Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association’s Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular.
Prior to the accident, ADS-B data indicated that the Douglas A-20G and a Mitchell B-25 were flying in formation, performing several low-altitude flybys over runway 18R. Following three flybys, both aircraft entered a right teardrop maneuver southeast of the airport to prepare for a final flyby over runway 36L.
According to the Air Boss, the aircraft appeared to be functioning normally during the final flyby, with no visible smoke or engine issues noted. While the flight plan required the aircraft to depart the traffic pattern toward the north following the flyby, the N74lyHS instead entered a left turn over the north end of the airport. When the Air Boss contacted the pilot to check on the aircraft's status, the pilot reported, "No, I have a problem, I have a problem."
Performance calculations based on ADS-B data showed the aircraft decelerated below its minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc) during the final phase of flight. Furthermore, as the aircraft turned toward the operating left engine, the bank angle exceeded the recommended 15-degree limit for single-engine operations.
Video footage from spectators showed the left engine operating at a high speed while the right engine and propeller appeared to be windmilling rather than feathered. White vapor was also observed trailing the right engine nacelle. The aircraft continued in a descending left turn and impacted terrain short of the runway 18R threshold with its landing gear retracted. A post-accident fire caused substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained one serious injury and, at the time of the report, could not recall specific details of the event.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed ADS-B track data and aircraft performance calculations. A preliminary review of spectator video footage indicated that the right engine propeller was windmilling and that white vapor was trailing the right engine nacelle. The wreckage was recovered to an operator facility for future examination.