Amateur-built GREAT LAKES 2T-1A N211RW accident near Warwarsing, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during low level maneuvering flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane with no anomalies noted. The purpose of the flight was to circle over a friend's property and return to the departure airport. The pilot said that, as he began the first turn to circle the property, he waved to his friends on the ground; he did not recall anything after he initiated that turn. According to a witness, as the airplane began to turn, it lost altitude and descended at a 45-degree angle until it struck a tree and then the ground. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the wings and fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA272 for the full record.