Blessing RV-3A accident near Lakeland, FL
On June 15, 2026, a Blessing RV-3A (airplane) was involved in an accident near Lakeland, FL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 15, 2026
- Place
- Lakeland, FL
- Aircraft
- Blessing RV-3A · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 28.199°N, 81.935°W
- NTSB ID
- 20260616203187
NTSB summary
On June 15, 2026, about 1955 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-3A, N696DB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Lakeland, Florida. The pilot received fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Review of ADS-B data showed that the pilot departed Bartow executive Airport (BOW), Bartow, Florida, about 1930. A witness, who was also a pilot, stated that he and the accident pilot were going to rendezvous near Orlampa Inc Airport (FA08), Polk City, Florida, and conduct formation flight maneuvers in the area. The witness stated that after joining up in formation with the accident pilot, they conducted basic formation straight-and-level flight and turn maneuvers at 140 mph. During the initial formation sequence the accident pilot was the lead airplane. After the formation flight completed a few turns, they conducted a planned lead change. According to the witness, who was then serving as the formation lead, he flew the airplane with the autopilot engaged and set to maintain 2,000 ft msl and 140 mph. The witness stated that he used the heading bug to make directional changes, providing a stable platform for the formation. The accident pilot then requested that the witness record a formation break maneuver. Video recorded by the witness showed the accident airplane initiating a right roll into the break maneuver. During the maneuver, the right wing folded upward to about 90º, and fuel was observed spraying from the right wing root area. The witness reported observing an obje
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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
