At about 1240 Central time, the Experimental airplane collided with the ground during approach to the General Dewitt Spain Airport. Visual conditions prevailed; the Private pilot received fatal injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The seller of the airplane later reported the pilot purchased the one-seat airplane that day and wanted to fly it home. A witness standing at the airports midfield stated the airplane appeared to be about 200 feet above the ground on the downwind. The witness stated the airplane turned base and was very slow with the nose high. He stated that when the airplane turned final, it spun about half a turn to the left and dove straight into the ground.
May 6, 2005, Memphis, Tenn. / Jodel D-9 Experimental
At about 1240 Central time, the Experimental airplane collided with the ground during approach to the General Dewitt Spain Airport. Visual conditions prevailed; the Private pilot received fatal injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The seller of the airplane later reported the pilot purchased the one-seat airplane that day and wanted to fly it home. A witness standing at the airports midfield stated the airplane appeared to be about 200 feet above the ground on the downwind. The witness stated the airplane turned base and was very slow with the nose high. He stated that when the airplane turned final, it spun about half a turn to the left and dove straight into the ground....
Key Takeaways:
- An Experimental airplane crashed during approach to General Dewitt Spain Airport, resulting in fatal injuries for the private pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.
- The pilot had purchased the one-seat airplane earlier that day and was attempting to fly it home.
- A witness observed the plane flying "very slow with the nose high" on base turn, then spinning and diving into the ground during the final approach.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
