NTSB Factual Report

On May 28, 2012, about 1350 eastern daylight time, a North American T-6G airplane, N3753G, impacted a barn after takeoff near Perry, Michigan. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Pingston Aeroworks Airport (54MI), Bryon, Michigan, about 1345. The intended destination was Jackson County Airport (JXN), Jackson, Michigan.

The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the run-up and takeoff were normal. After takeoff, he was planning a “photo pass” down the runway. He reported that he executed a slight right turn, followed by a left turn. The pilot activated the air show performance smoke system briefly prior to the low approach. He noted that the engine was running normally. However, he did not recall any subsequent events regarding the accident sequence.

In his report to the NTSB, the pilot stated that he departed from runway 18 (southbound) and executed a left turn in order to return to the runway environment. During that maneuver, the airplane lost altitude and struck a barn.

A witness reported that the accident airplane became airborne about three-quarters of the way down the runway. Once airborne, the airplane turned right and then started a left turn above the trees. At the beginning of the left turn, he observed the air show smoke trailing the airplane briefly. He noted that during the left turn, the airplane bank angle steepened and the descent rate increased. The engine sounded normal until impact. The pilot reportedly informed the witness after the accident that the airplane encountered a gust of wind while in the turn.

A second witness located about one-third mile west of the airstrip, reported that the accident airplane departed to the south. The engine seemed louder than usual. The airplane banked to the left “very hard” after takeoff. It also seemed to be lower than normal. He did not observe the accident sequence.

The airplane impacted a barn on a northerly course. The left and right wings were fragmented and located within the barn structure. The forward fuselage, including the engine and cockpit, had separated from the remainder of the airframe. It traveled through and came to rest about 50 feet north of the barn. The aft fuselage and empennage came to rest at the north end of the barn. The right main landing gear and a section of the right wing were imbedded into a hay bailer located within the barn at the time of the accident. Flight control surfaces were located with the respective airframe structure at the accident site. The propeller remained attached to the propeller hub. The blades exhibited chordwise scratches and leading edge gouges. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure.

The pilot reported weather conditions as: wind from 220 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots; 10 miles visibility, clear sky; and light turbulence.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with a barn.