Accident Overview
On June 20, 2021, at approximately 14:45 UTC, a North American T-28B Trojan, registration OE-ESA, operated by The Flying Bulls GmbH, crashed near the village of Jickovice in the Písek district of the Czech Republic. The aircraft was part of a two-aircraft formation returning from the Antidotum AirShow 2021 in Leszno, Poland, to Salzburg, Austria.
Flight History
The T-28B was flying in formation with a North American B-25J Mitchell. While at an altitude of approximately 1,800 ft (referenced to QNH 1008 hPa), the pilot of the T-28B executed an aerobatic maneuver known as a barrel roll. During the recovery from the roll, the aircraft entered a descent and struck the trunks of mature trees in a forested area. The wreckage came to rest at the edge of the forest and caught fire.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the passenger was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a North American T-28B Trojan, a single-engine military trainer. The pilot held a valid license and was experienced in type. The passenger was a photographer who was on board to take aerial photographs. The photographer recounted that he was seated in the rear cockpit and had a camera with him.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was conducted by the Czech Air Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN) in accordance with international protocols. The technical examination of the wreckage showed no pre-impact mechanical failure of the aircraft. The landing gear was found in the retracted position during the maneuver, which is consistent with normal practice for aerobatics.
Meteorological conditions at the time were suitable for visual flight. The formation was operating under visual flight rules (VFR).
Cause
The probable cause of the accident was not explicitly stated in the provided source; however, the investigation focused on the pilot's execution of the barrel roll and the subsequent loss of control. No causal links were established beyond the factual sequence of events.
Conclusion
The accident resulted in the loss of the aircraft, fatal injuries to the pilot, and serious injuries to the passenger. The investigation did not identify any systemic safety issues, and no safety recommendations were issued based on the findings.