The airplane collided with terrain while maneuvering at about 1250 Pacific time. The commercial pilot and second pilot were killed; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness reported observing the airplane perform aerobatics and then return to the airport, where the pilot added oil to the onboard smoke system. Shortly, the airplane departed and the pilot performed aerobatics for 10 to 15 minutes. The witness observed the airplane begin a spin at low altitude with white smoke being generated. The airplanes rotation increased as the airplane neared terrain and it subsequently crashed.
February 8, 2010, Redlands, Calif., Yakovlev YAK 52
The airplane collided with terrain while maneuvering at about 1250 Pacific time. The commercial pilot and second pilot were killed; the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness reported observing the airplane perform aerobatics and then return to the airport, where the pilot added oil to the onboard smoke system. Shortly, the airplane departed and the pilot performed aerobatics for 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed while performing aerobatics, resulting in the deaths of the commercial pilot and a second pilot, and substantial damage to the aircraft.
- Witnesses observed the airplane executing aerobatic maneuvers, including a low-altitude spin with white smoke being generated just before the collision with terrain.
- The pilots had briefly returned to the airport to add oil to the onboard smoke system before departing again for further aerobatic displays.
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