Bede BD5 accident near Camarillo, CA
On October 8, 2019, a Bede BD5 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Camarillo, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- October 8, 2019
- Place
- Camarillo, CA
- Aircraft
- Bede BD5 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 34.214°N, 119.094°W
- NTSB ID
- 20191008X73025
Official records · WPR20FA005
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn October 8, 2019, about 1229 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Bede BD-5, airplane, N501BD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Camarillo, California. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to air traffic control transcripts, the pilot was cleared to taxi to runway 26, where he completed an engine run-up, and was subsequently cleared for takeoff. The pilot was instructed by the tower controller to extend his upwind for 1/2 mile and was then instructed to turn crosswind. The pilot confirmed turning crosswind. The pilot was then cleared for the option on runway 26. While the pilot was flying the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the controller advised him that the airplane was a little low and asked if he could increase his altitude. The airplane’s altitude was about 500 ft above ground level (agl), while the traffic pattern altitude was about 800 ft agl. The pilot responded that he was having issues climbing and would need to stay at his current altitude. He further responded that he would need to make a full stop landing. The pilot was cleared to land on runway 26, and shortly thereafter, the airplane was observed in a rapid descent. Several witnesses located near the accident site reported that the airplane was low, then maneuvered, and was rapidly descending toward the ground. One witness stated that the propeller was not moving. The airplane impacted a lettuce field about 3/4 mile south o
Probable cause
The No. 4 connecting rod’s bearing shift and separation of the No. 4 connecting rod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.
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Browse: California
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
