A witness, who was a friend of the pilot, was at an automobile racing facility near Alton, Va., when he received a text message from the pilot that the airplane would fly over in six minutes.
The North American T-28C then performed a low pass over the area, reversed direction, and initiated a barrel roll during the second pass.
Although the airplane started to climb before the barrel roll, video evidence indicates that it was only 100 feet above ground level, which was not high enough to complete the maneuver.
The airplane subsequently collided with trees and terrain, resulting in two fatalities.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.
NTSB Identification: ERA14FA445
This September 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
perfect example of what *NOT* to do and why not to do it.
“EGO”?
“EGO?”
This not only tears down reputation and integrity of GA pilots who have paid a dear price to become pilots but as well these are the guys who say us sport pilots aren’t real pilots yet we donthave near as many crashes as GA especially because of instant ego that usually kills them and times others
You would think if he could afford and fly a T-28 he would certainly have enough maturity to fly it safely
We pray for peace and comfort for his family and all those effected by his fatal choice
I wonder what the passenger thought about the pilots decision to attempt low level acrobatics. Sometimes going along for a ride can be a very bad decision given that you have no control over what stupid things that the pilot might decide to do (and do without warning or discussion)
That’s a case of more money than brains.
The pilot had no regard, for the rest of us in the Warbird community. Had no regard for his passingier, his family, or GA pilots. He’s a big ASS.
He was a big A**! Trojan is too heavy to even think about attempting such a maneuver at such a low altitude – a 360 roll at most but never a barrel roll. Stupid is as stupid does and stupid is incurable but in his case it was cured permanently.
The bravado wasn’t false…just misplaced and mistimed!
:O “Watch this…”
Another perfectly good airplane wasted from a moment of false bravado.