Amateur-built Nieuport 24bis N5246 accident near Rhinebeck, New York

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and spin.

NTSB analysis

The accident flight was a two-airplane aerial demonstration of World War I vintage aircraft simulating a "dogfight," with the entire flight conducted at an altitude about 300 feet above ground level. While maneuvering with the other airplane, the accident airplane entered a "3 turn spin to the left" before it impacted trees and terrain. The wreckage was consumed in a postimpact fire. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The airline-transport-rated pilot had over 3,800 total hours of flight experience and had logged about 5 hours of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08LA281 for the full record.