Aero Vodochody L-39C accident near Reno, NV
On September 13, 2007, an Aero Vodochody L-39C (airplane) was involved in an accident near Reno, NV. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- September 13, 2007
- Place
- Reno, NV
- Aircraft
- Aero Vodochody L-39C · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 39.664°N, 119.884°W
- NTSB ID
- 20070924X01438
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On September 13, 2007, at 1445 Pacific daylight time, an Aero Vodochody L-39C, N139DK, collided with terrain while participating in the Reno Air Races at Reno-Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. The pilot was operating the privately owned airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was killed; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane departed Reno-Stead about 1410. The pilot was participating in the jet race of the Reno Air Races. The accident airplane had rounded the last pylon, pylon 8, when according to a witness, the airplane was banked to the left as it rounded the pylon. The airplane then rolled to the right and impacted the ground at a high speed. An additional witness reported that the accident airplane was following another airplane. As the airplanes rounded the pylon, the accident airplane appeared to be lower. The accident airplane then seemed to roll inverted and impacted the ground moments later. In an interview with the Jet Class Director of Flight Operations, he indicated that the pilot had discussed a passing procedure that was inconsistent with race rules. After the pilot spoke with the Director of Flight Operations, the pilot agreed not to perform the passing procedure. According to the Director of Flight Operations, the pilot flew the race in accordance with the Jet Class rules. The Director of Flight Operations was flying above the race at the time of the accident, and also viewed a video of the event following the ac
Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with wake turbulence while maneuvering over a race course. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at which the encounter occurred.
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Browse: Nevada
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
