Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention, which resulted in a loss of control while maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
While maneuvering at a low altitude, the pilot attempted to retrieve a coffee cup that had become loose and was rolling around on the cockpit floor, and the airplane entered a nose-down descent. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent, but he did not have sufficient altitude to regain control of the airplane before it impacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA260 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 25, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bryan, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Thrush Aircraft Inc S2R-H80
- N-number
- N510KW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.