Probable cause
The pilots decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude from which he was unable to recover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot flew his experimental, exhibition, high-performance airplane over friends' houses. One witness indicated the pilot flew the airplane low enough to be identified. The pilot performed a second flyby of the houses. Another witness indicated that the airplane subsequently flew south and then climbed in a counterclockwise rotation. The airplane then attempted to "go upside down" and fly to the west. It subsequently impacted terrain following the low-level acrobatic maneuver. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA368 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wolcott, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Nanchang China CJ-6
- N-number
- N2726C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1991
- 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.