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NTSB Report

May 28, 2012 · North American T-6G · N3753G

Perry, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2012
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Perry, MI
Aircraft
North American T-6G
Tail Number
N3753G
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA324

The pilot stated that the run-up and takeoff were normal. After takeoff to the south, he was planning to overfly the runway for a “photo pass.” He reported that he executed a slight right turn, followed by a left turn. He noted that the engine was running normally. However, he did not recall any subsequent events regarding the accident sequence. A witness reported that once airborne, the airplane turned right and then started a left turn above the trees. He noted that during the left turn, the airplane bank angle steepened and the descent rate increased. The engine sounded normal until impact with a barn. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure. The pilot reported the wind was from the southwest, gusting to 20 knots with light turbulence, at the time of the accident. Based on the reported prevailing wind, a left turn after takeoff resulted in the airplane encountering a progressively increasing downwind condition during the turn.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with a barn.

Full Narrative

On May 28, 2012, about 1350 eastern daylight time, a North American T-6G airplane, N3753G, impacted a barn after takeoff near Perry, Michigan. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Pingston Aeroworks Airport (54MI), Bryon, Michigan, about 1345. The intended destination was Jackson County Airport (JXN), Jackson, Michigan. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the run-up and takeoff were normal. After takeoff, he was planning a “photo pass” down the runway. He reported that he executed a slight right turn, followed by a left turn. The pilot activated the air show performance smoke system briefly prior to the low approach. He noted that the engine was running normally. However, he did not recall any subsequent events regarding the accident sequence. In his report to the NTSB, the pilot stated that he departed from runway 18 (southbound) and executed a left turn in order to return to the runway environment. During that maneuver, the airplane lost altitude and struck a barn. A witness reported that the accident airplane became airborne about three-quarters of the way down the runway. Once airborne, the airplane turned right and then started a left turn above the trees. At the beginning of the left turn, he observed the air show smoke trailing the airplane briefly. He noted that during the left turn, the airplane bank angle steepened and the descent rate increased. The engine sounded normal until impact. The pilot reportedly informed the witness after the accident that the airplane encountered a gust of wind while in the turn. A second witness located about one-third mile west of the airstrip, reported that the accident airplane departed to the south. The engine seemed louder than usual. The airplane banked to the left “very hard” after takeoff. It also seemed to be lower than normal. He did not observe the accident sequence. The airplane impacted a barn on a northerly course. The left and right wings were fragmented and located within the barn structure. The forward fuselage, including the engine and cockpit, had separated from the remainder of the airframe. It traveled through and came to rest about 50 feet north of the barn. The aft fuselage and empennage came to rest at the north end of the barn. The right main landing gear and a section of the right wing were imbedded into a hay bailer located within the barn at the time of the accident. Flight control surfaces were located with the respective airframe structure at the accident site. The propeller remained attached to the propeller hub. The blades exhibited chordwise scratches and leading edge gouges. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure. The pilot reported weather conditions as: wind from 220 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots; 10 miles visibility, clear sky; and light turbulence.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 EDT
Nearest AirportPingston Aeroworks (1nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American T-6G
Tail NumberN3753G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data