What happened
On 2 August 2025, at approximately 20:07 local time, an amateur-built Team Rocket F4 Raider, registration N31VX, crashed into the maritime waters off Puerto de Sóller, Mallorca. The aircraft, which was being operated for private recreational purposes, was performing aerobatic maneuvers near the coast when the accident occurred.
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at high speed and very low altitude, parallel to the coastline. During the sequence of events, the aircraft entered a 90-degree roll, placing the wings in a vertical position. During this maneuver, the right wingtip made contact with the sea surface, causing the aircraft to destabilize and impact the water nose-first. The impact was high-energy, causing the aircraft to sink rapidly to a depth of 35 meters. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined wreckage imagery provided by the Guardia Civil, flight tracking data from various platforms, and eyewitness testimonies. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight profile, which showed the aircraft was flying at speeds between 130 and 140 knots at an altitude of approximately 100 feet before the impact.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed significant damage, including a deformed nose, detached engine, and structural twisting of the wings. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting he was an experienced pilot with an ATP license and extensive background in military and commercial aviation. While the aircraft held a valid overflight authorization for Spain, the investigation noted that this authorization did not specifically permit low-altitude aerobatic maneuvers over areas populated by recreational boats.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing aerobatic maneuvers in an area with significant maritime traffic from pleasure boats.
- The pilot was highly experienced and intimately familiar with the local area.
- The crew members were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
- The primary cause of the accident was an aerobatic maneuver performed at a very low altitude and high speed, which resulted in the right wingtip striking the sea surface.
- Contributing factors included potential errors in altitude perception, exacerbated by the low sun angle and light reflections on the water surface during the late afternoon flight.