Amateur-built RV 6 N722DK and Amateur-built RV 8 N8JL accident near Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Probable cause

The RV-8 pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the RV-6 while maneuvering during an air show, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB analysis

The two experimental amateur-built airplanes were part of an air show team that was participating in an air show. At the time of the accident, an RV-6 and another airplane were flying in formation at an altitude of 500 ft above the ground, while the pilot an RV-8 intended to circle around the two airplanes from behind. While circling in a counter-clockwise direction, the RV-8 converged on the two airplanes flying in formation. The propeller of the RV-6, and the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer of the RV-8 made contact. The pilot of the RV-6 reported that the maneuver called for the RV-8 to be 100 ft behind the leading airplane. He was flying straight and level and focused on the airplane flying in formation on his left side when his airplane began to experience a sudden severe vibration. The pilot of the RV-8 reported that his airplane had overtaken the two airplanes and that he did not correct to compensate. He observed one of the airplanes pass off his left and heard a "bang" at that time. The RV-6 sustained minor damage to its propeller and the RV-8 sustained substantial damage to its right elevator and horizontal stabilizer. Both airplanes subsequently landed without further incident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA172 for the full record.