Van's RV6 N43BL

Summary

On 14 June 1996 at about 22:00 local time, a Van's RV6 registered N43BL was involved in an accident near Inyokern, California, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 June 1996 at 22:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Inyokern, California, United States

Nearest airport

Inyokern (IYK)

Coordinates

35.8802, -118.1506

Aircraft

Van's RV6

Registration

N43BL

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX96LA231

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain control of his airplane and stalled while intentionally performing a low altitude maneuver on base leg in a high density altitude environment.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot and pilot rated passenger departed and climbed to 6,500 feet msl, and performed an aileron roll. The pilot returned to the airport and entered the landing traffic pattern. After turning onto the base leg, he decided he needed more room between the airplane and the end of the runway, so he turned away from the runway. During this maneuver, the airplane buffeted and aileron and elevator control were lost. The pilot further reported that he applied full engine power, but the airplane stalled and crashed into the ground. Two witnesses observed the airplane on the base leg, and while maneuvering during its last few seconds of flight. Both of the witnesses estimated that the airplane was not flying higher than 300 feet agl. The witnesses reported seeing the aircraft turn away from the landing runway, enter a steep left bank turn and then turn back toward the runway. Both witnesses stated that during the turn/maneuver the bank angle increased to at least 80 degrees. The airplane appeared to stall and then descend into the terrain. The pilot rated passenger said the pilot pushed the aircraft beyond its' capabilities. The temperature was about 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a density altitude of about 6,000 feet.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.