SOMERVILLE, VA, USA
N1RX
SAM R. CROWELL SH-2R
THE PILOT INDICATED BEFORE THE FLIGHT THAT HE WAS GOING TO DO SOME AEROBATICS. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT WAS OVERHEARD ON THE RADIO SAYING 'I CAN'T CONTROL IT . . . WE'RE GOING IN.' WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED WHILE IN A COUNTER CLOCKWISE FLAT SPIN BEFORE IT CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT'S ONLY KNOWN AEROBATIC FLIGHT EXPERIENCE OCCURRED ON A DAY ABOUT THREE WEEKS EARLIER, IN WHICH HE WAS SHOWN LOOPS AND BARREL ROLLS.
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE HANDLING OF AIRCRAFT DURING AEROBATIC MANEUVER WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN OPERATION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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