September 1, 2012, Davenport, Iowa, Aero Vodochody L39C Albatros

At approximately 1330 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an air show performance. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

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Key Takeaways:

  • An L-39 airplane sustained substantial damage and its commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries after impacting terrain during an air show performance.
  • The accident occurred while the airplane was initiating a "crossover break maneuver" from the left wing position of a three-plane formation.
  • The aircraft entered a right turn, descended, and impacted the terrain, leading to a post-impact fire, with no evidence of an in-flight collision.
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At approximately 1330 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an air show performance. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

Video and witness information revealed the flight of three L-39s were traveling in a westerly direction away from the spectators. According to the lead pilot, the airplanes were executing a crossover break maneuver, which the accident airplane initiated from the left wing position. The accident airplane entered a right turn, descended and impacted the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued. No evidence of any in-flight collision with the other airplanes was observed.

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