The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the Gulf of Mexico at 1218 Central time. The commercial pilot and passenger were killed. Visual conditions prevailed. Several witnesses reported the airplane had been performing aerobatic maneuvers along the beach. Just prior to the accident, the airplane was flying east along the beach, then turned west with its “smoke on.” The airplane began a steep climb, possibly a loop. At the top of the climb, the smoke ceased and the airplane entered a spin. The airplane descended in a spin, until impacting the water. The wreckage was located the same day at a depth of 65 feet. Underwater video confirmed that all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site.
July 2, 2010, Destin, Fla., North American AT-6
The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted the Gulf of Mexico at 1218 Central time. The commercial pilot and passenger were killed. Visual conditions prevailed. Several witnesses reported the airplane had been performing aerobatic maneuvers along the beach. Just prior to the accident, the airplane was flying east along the beach, then turned west with its "smoke on."
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial pilot and passenger died when their airplane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, despite visual conditions prevailing.
- Witnesses observed the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers, followed by a steep climb, cessation of smoke, and an uncontrolled spin before impacting the water.
- The wreckage was located on the same day, confirming all major components of the airplane were present at the accident site.
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