Amateur-built EAGLE 540 N34BJ accident near Kokomo, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.

NTSB analysis

The pilot planned to depart the runway and then turn left toward a row of trees for an aerobatic demonstration at a local air show. At a set distance from the trees, his plan was to roll the airplane inverted and then climb away from the trees. However, during the performance, he realized that the airplane wasn’t going to clear the trees. The pilot stated that he tried to increase the airplane’s climb angle, but the airplane struck the trees. The pilot continued the airplane’s climb and returned to the airfield for a landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and horizontal stabilizer during the collision with the trees. The pilot reported that the primary cause of the accident was “misjudgment in distance” and “pilot error.” He also indicated that the wind was occasionally gusty, but he was unable to ascertain whether that was a factor.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA360 for the full record.