Pfeifler Edge-540 accident near Warrenton, VA
On October 7, 2003, a Pfeifler Edge-540 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Warrenton, VA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- October 7, 2003
- Place
- Warrenton, VA
- Aircraft
- Pfeifler Edge-540 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.587°N, 77.711°W
- NTSB ID
- 20031014X01713
NTSB summary
On October 7, 2003, about 1610 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Edge-540, N540SH, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering in Warrenton, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was practicing aerobatics above the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, for an upcoming air show. A witness stated he observed the airplane performing a "spin maneuver." He further stated, "...The aircraft seemed to take an extensive amount of time starting a recovery. [It] began recovering from the dive then disappeared behind the hangars. I then heard the aircraft impact...." Another witness stated he observed the airplane flying straight and level about 40 feet above a runway. The airplane then pitched up and began to climb vertically to an estimated altitude of about 600 feet. The airplane then pitched down 180 degrees, and began to "corkscrew" downward, before it leveled off and entered a flat spin. When the airplane was about 40 feet above the ground, the airplane's rotation slowed to a near stop, and it's nose dropped about 20 to 30 degrees. The airplane then began a "sluggish" movement downward and forward, until it impacted the ground. The witness added that he could hear the engine running until the airplane impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane ha
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while performing aerobatic maneuvers.
More accidents in VA
- Boeing 757-200, Sep 11, 2001
- Beech B99, Sep 23, 1985
- Beech 65, Sep 10, 1995
- Beech 200, Oct 24, 2004
- Piper PA-31-310, Nov 14, 1982
Browse: Virginia
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
