Gay RV-4 accident near Lennox, SD
On January 8, 1995, a Gay RV-4 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Lennox, SD. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- January 8, 1995
- Place
- Lennox, SD
- Aircraft
- Gay RV-4 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 43.349°N, 96.890°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001207X02830
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On January 8, 1995, about 1600 central standard time, a Gay RV-4 airplane, N29PG, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain while maneuvering near Lennox, South Dakota. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The personal flight originated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 1537 and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The planned destination was Lennox, South Dakota. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. During a personal interview on January 11, 1995, a witness stated that between 1555 and 1600, she observed a blue and white airplane heading south. It climbed, did a spiral turn, and then came back down heading north "at a lower altitude than most airplanes fly." Radar tracking data provided by the Minneapolis Air Route Tracking Control Center shows the airplane departed southbound from Sioux Falls at 1537. The target maneuvered in a series of aerobatic maneuvers in the vicinity of the accident site. Radar coverage was available down to an altitude of approximately 2,100 feet MSL. The elevation of the accident site was approximately 1,300 feet MSL. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Post accident examination revealed compression of the lower nose and right wing. Both elevator counterweights and the right aileron were separated. The weighted leading edge of both ailerons were distorted. The wreckage path followed a heading of 085 degrees with a distance of 105 feet between the first two ground scars. The aircraft came to rest 132 feet from the first impact on a heading of 187 degrees. All of the prop bolts were shea
Probable cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS. THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO DRUGS WAS A FACTOR.
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Browse: South Dakota
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
