Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2002 N145AG accident near Waxahachie, Texas

Probable cause

A loss of aircraft control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

According to radar data, the airplane climbed to an initial altitude of about 2,700 feet mean sea level on a southerly heading. Over the span of the flight, the airplane reversed course toward the north, reversed course again to the south, and then reversed course a third time to the north. Several witnesses observed the accident airplane in a spin approximately 800 feet above the ground. Ground scars and damage to the airplane were consistent with a 70-degree nose down attitude at the time of impact. A postaccident examination of the airframe, airplane systems, and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; however, a mechanic’s work light was discovered in the tail section of the airplane. Score marks on the body of the work light were consistent with the work light having been jammed in the tail of the airplane underneath the stabilator control tube. Due to the distortion of the wreckage components, it was not possible to establish if the work light interfered with proper movement of the stabilator control tube.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10FA107 for the full record.