Aero Vodochody L39C accident near Davenport, IA
On September 1, 2012, an Aero Vodochody L39C (airplane) was involved in an accident near Davenport, IA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- September 1, 2012
- Place
- Davenport, IA
- Aircraft
- Aero Vodochody L39C · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 41.610°N, 90.588°W
- NTSB ID
- 20120904X65358
Official records · CEN12LA602
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn September 1, 2012, approximately 1330 central daylight time, an Aero Vodochody L39C single-engine turbo-jet airplane, N139GS, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an air show performance at the Davenport Municipal Airport (DVN), Davenport, Iowa. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to the Warbird Education Foundation, Frisco, Texas, and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an air show flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from DVN approximately 1315. Video and witness information documented the flight of three L-39 airplanes during their air show performance. According to the lead pilot, the three airplanes were traveling in a westerly direction away from the spectators and were executing a crossover break maneuver, which the accident airplane was in the left wing position. During the crossover break maneuver, the lead airplane first entered a climbing maneuver, the left wing position airplane entered a right turn and then the right wing position airplane entered a left turn with adequate longitudinal spacing. During the maneuver, the accident airplane entered the right turn, descended, and impacted the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued. No evidence of any in-flight collision with the other airplanes was observed. No communication or distress call were received by either the lead or right wing position pilot from the accident pilot. Witnesses reported that they did not obs
Probable cause
The loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded operation.
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Browse: Iowa
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
