Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers.
NTSB analysis
Multiple witnesses located near the accident site reported observing the accident airplane flying over their position about 130 feet above the ground followed by it performing several barrel rolls. The airplane was observed making a 180-degree turn when it initiated a loop at a low altitude. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain in a near-vertical attitude before the maneuver was completed. Witnesses further reported that the engine seemed to be developing power at the time of the accident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12FA062 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Armistead, California
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS RV-8
- N-number
- N948RC
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.