NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On April 26, 1994, at 1910 central daylight time, a Cessna A150K, N8457M, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a loss of control near McCrory, Arkansas. The private pilot and his pilot rated passenger, who was also the airplane's owner, were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

According to friends and relatives, the owner departed his private airstrip to fly to a friend's airstrip approximately 3 miles from the owner's house. The airplane departed again at 1855, with the owner occupying the right seat of the airplane.

Several witnesses in the area observed the airplane performing loops, rolls, and "other stunts" on an east and west direction, at an estimated altitude of 1,400 feet AGL. The airplane was later observed entering a left spin from which it did not recover. Witnesses reported that the airplane continued in a left spin until it impacted the ground in a nose down attitude, in a left turn.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

A friend of the pilot stated that the pilot had completed a 5 hour aerobatics course of instruction, whose curriculum included training on spins, rolls, and loops. Neither occupants were wearing parachutes.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The airplane had been owned by the right seat passenger for over eight years. A review of the airframe and engine records by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, did not reveal any anomalies or uncorrected maintenance defects prior to the flight.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The aircraft came to rest in a plowed rice field on a measured heading of 015 degrees. The aircraft components and wreckage were located within 20 feet of the point of impact. The engine was found buried in a crater approximately 30 inches deep.

Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces. Likewise, engine continuity was established at the accident site. Examination of the airframe and engine at the accident site did not disclose any mechanical problems or pre- impact discrepancies.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy and toxicological tests were ordered and performed. The autopsy was performed on April 28, 1994, by Charles P. Kokes, M.D., Associate Medical Examiner for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock, Arkansas. Toxicology findings were negative.

ADDITIONAL DATA

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

WAS THE INADVERTENT STALL AND SPIN. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF AEROBATICS AT AN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE.