Colliander RV-8 accident near Van, TX
On October 6, 2003, a Colliander RV-8 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Van, TX. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- October 6, 2003
- Place
- Van, TX
- Aircraft
- Colliander RV-8 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 32.479°N, 95.639°W
- NTSB ID
- 20031009X01690
NTSB summary
On October 6, 2003, approximately 1250 central daylight time, an amateur-built Colliander RV-8 single-engine tailwheel equipped airplane, N27JW, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed following a loss of control near Van, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot and his passenger sustained fatal injuries. Instrument metrological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Gilmer Municipal Airport (4F4), near Gilmer, Texas, approximately 1240, destined for the Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU), near Georgetown, Texas. In a written witness statement provided to the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the lead pilot of the formation flight reported that the flight was supposed to depart 4F4 on October 5, 2003, but was delayed due to weather. During this downtime, the pilots of the formation flight discussed numerous topics, including "lost wingman procedures if unexpected weather was encountered." On the morning of October 6, 2003, the pilots observed a line of storms west of Interstate 35 (I-35) moving southeast on an Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) weather computer, and DUATS website. Throughout the morning, the pilots continued to check the weather. Approximately 1000, the lead pilot conferred with flight service. They informed the lead pilot that the storms would clear I-35 after lunch. Approximately 1145, the pilots checked DUATS and ADDS, and observed that the line of storms had cleared I-35. They also checked the aviation rou
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the low ceilings, rain, and fog.
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Browse: Texas
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
