Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's glide path during the final approach, which resulted in a low approach path and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the final approach to land as part of a formation flight, he was focused on monitoring the airplane that landed in front of him, and his airplane's airspeed indicator. As a result, he inadvertently flew below the normal glide path, impacted terrain, and sheared off the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Pioneer (WS17)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Vans Aircraft Inc RV-12
- N-number
- N242VA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.