At 15:55 CST, an amateur-built Staros SA 260 aerobatic airplane was destroyed when a fire erupted in-flight. The pilot was seriously injured after a low-altitude bail-out. The pilot told witnesses that he was at the top of an aerobatic maneuver, heard a loud bang and the airplane entered a slip. The pilot stated that fuel began to spray onto him. Witnesses reported that the pilot bailed out of the single engine airplane at approximately 400 feet agl and the parachute opened at tree-top level. An inspector found that the parachute and pilots apparel, including his sunglasses and gloves, were charred and melted.
Nov. 24, Marion, Texas / Staros SA 260
At 15:55 CST, an amateur-built Staros SA 260 aerobatic airplane was destroyed when a fire erupted in-flight. The pilot was seriously injured after a low-altitude bail-out. The pilot told witnesses that he was at the top of an aerobatic maneuver, heard a loud bang and the airplane entered a slip. The pilot stated that fuel began to spray onto him. Witnesses reported that the pilot bailed out of the single engine airplane at approximately 400 feet agl and the parachute opened at tree-top level. An inspector found that the parachute and pilots apparel, including his sunglasses and gloves, were charred and melted....
Key Takeaways:
- An amateur-built Staros SA 260 aerobatic airplane was destroyed by an in-flight fire, seriously injuring the pilot.
- The incident occurred during an aerobatic maneuver, initiated by a loud bang and subsequent fuel spray onto the pilot.
- The pilot bailed out at approximately 400 feet above ground level, with his parachute opening at treetop height.
- Post-incident inspection revealed the pilot's apparel and equipment were charred and melted from the fire.
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