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June 9, 2012 · Birchler Boyd Eagle 540 · N34BJ

Kokomo, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kokomo, IN
Aircraft
Birchler Boyd Eagle 540
Tail Number
N34BJ
Operator
Billy Werth Airshows
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA360

The pilot planned to depart the runway and then turn left toward a row of trees for an aerobatic demonstration at a local air show. At a set distance from the trees, his plan was to roll the airplane inverted and then climb away from the trees. However, during the performance, he realized that the airplane wasn’t going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he tried to increase the airplane’s climb angle, but the airplane struck the trees. The pilot continued the airplane’s climb and returned to the airfield for a landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and horizontal stabilizer during the collision with the trees. The pilot reported that the primary cause of the accident was “misjudgment in distance” and “pilot error.” He also indicated that the wind was occasionally gusty, but he was unable to ascertain whether that was a factor.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.

Full Narrative

The pilot planned to depart the runway and then turn left towards a row of trees for an aerobatic demonstration at a local airshow. At a set distance from the trees, his plan was to roll the airplane inverted and then climb away from the trees. However, during the performance, he realized the airplane wasn’t going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he applied more controls in order to increase the climb angle, but the airplane collided with the trees. The pilot continued the airplane’s climb and returned to the airfield for a landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and horizontal stabilizer during the collision with the trees. The pilot reported that the primary cause of the accident was “misjudgment in the distance”. He also reported that there were occasionally gusty winds, but was unable to ascertain whether the winds were a factor or not.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportKokomo Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5201 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBirchler Boyd Eagle 540
Tail NumberN34BJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBilly Werth Airshows
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-C4B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data