Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver.
NTSB analysis
Radar data depicted the airplane performing several maneuvers shortly after takeoff consistent with aerobatic flight at altitudes below what is permitted by Federal regulation and below what is recommended as minimum altitudes for aerobatic flight. The airplane departed controlled flight and impacted the ground. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction or failure of the airplane. The pilot's logbook did not note any formal aerobatic training.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11FA299 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Angelo, Texas
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CHRISTEN EAGLE II
- N-number
- N38RC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.