American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB N161PC accident near Marysville, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from the terrain while performing low-level aerobatics.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was performing low-level aerobatics for a ground-based observer for the purpose of renewing his low-level aerobatic competency waiver. As the airplane was pulling out from a dive while performing a maneuver described by the observer as a “modified clover-leaf/split-‘S’,” the airplane struck the ground in a wings-level attitude. The observer noted that nothing sounded out of the ordinary with respect to engine operation during the flight. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no anomalies that could be attributed to a preexisting failure or malfunction. Based on the witness description and the postaccident examination, it is likely that the pilot misjudged the aerobatic maneuver and had insufficient altitude to recover from the ensuing dive.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA112 for the full record.