Vans Aircraft RV-6T accident near Pettigrew, AR
On April 2, 2000, a Vans Aircraft RV-6T (airplane) was involved in an accident near Pettigrew, AR. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- April 2, 2000
- Place
- Pettigrew, AR
- Aircraft
- Vans Aircraft RV-6T · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 35.820°N, 93.590°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001212X20806
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 2, 2000, approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Van's Aircraft, Inc. RV-6T experimental research and development airplane, N96VA, was destroyed during impact with trees and terrain while maneuvering near Pettigrew, Arkansas. The aircraft was manufactured, owned, and operated by Van's Aircraft, Inc., of North Plains, Oregon. The non-instrument rated private pilot and private pilot rated passenger were fatally injured. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the accident site, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The cross-country flight departed Aurora, Missouri, after 1430, with a destination of Shreveport, Louisiana. Witnesses located near the accident site reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that they heard the accident aircraft circling the area for about 10-15 minutes. They then heard the airplane's engine sputter, pop, and quit; this was followed by a cracking/snapping noise, and a loud "thump." The witnesses further reported that the weather was foggy, and they estimated that the visibility was less than 400 feet. The accident site was located in wooded, mountainous terrain, approximately 70 nautical miles south of Aurora. PERSONNEL INFORMATION According to FAA records, the pilot was issued a private pilot certificate on November 19, 1979, with an airplane single-engine land rating. The pilot held a third class medical certificate, which was issued November 19, 1998. The medical certificate stipulated a limitation to wear corrective lenses while operating
Probable cause
the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted adverse weather.
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Browse: Arkansas · Vans aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
