Aero Vodochody L-29 N97869

Summary

On 4 July 2009 at about 20:29 local time, a Aero Vodochody L-29 registered N97869, operated by David L Zweigle, was involved in an accident near Tehachapi, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 July 2009 at 20:29

Classification

Accident

Location

Tehachapi, California, United States

Coordinates

35.1350, -118.4392

Aircraft

Aero Vodochody L-29

Registration

N97869

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

David L Zweigle

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tehachapi → Tehachapi

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR09LA325

2 people died.

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing a low altitude maneuver.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The accident airplane was participating in formation flight consisting of three airplanes. The lead pilot of the formation reported that after overflying the city in a trailing formation, the flight conducted a series of turns and the number two and three (accident airplane) were to join up on his left and right wing. As the flight conducted a right turn, the number two airplane joined up on the lead pilot’s left wing and the number three airplane was observed passing the lead pilot to his right. As the turn continued, the lead pilot observed the accident airplane pitch upwards and roll to the left over the formation. Witnesses located near the accident reported observing a three-jet formation overfly the area at an altitude of about 500 feet above ground level (agl). The accident airplane was observed trailing the other two airplanes. The witnesses reported that the three airplanes initiated a right turn to a northerly heading and the accident airplane made a sharp right climbing turn to join up with the other two airplanes. Subsequently, the accident airplane pitched upwards and rolled to the left over the other two airplanes, transitioning from the right side to the left side. Witnesses further reported that the accident airplane completed the roll in a nose low attitude and descended into terrain where a post-crash fire ensued. Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.