At about 1817 central time, a WWII vintage General Motors FM-2 Wildcat warbird airplane was destroyed following an in-flight loss of control near Ellington Field while participating in the Wings Over Houston air show. The pilot was killed. Witnesses observed the accident airplane at approximately 200 feet agl, trailing a twin-engine bomber on approach to the airport. The Wildcat had executed a series of 360-degree steep turns for spacing. During its last turn the aircraft pitched up, then descended in a partial spin before colliding with the ground about a quarter-mile from the approach end of the runway. A witness reported that the propeller was turning and the engine did not appear to have any problems. FAA inspectors found the throttle in the full open position and the mixture set at idle cut-off.
October 18, Houston, Texas / General Motors Wildcat
At about 1817 central time, a WWII vintage General Motors FM-2 Wildcat warbird airplane was destroyed following an in-flight loss of control near Ellington Field while participating in the Wings Over Houston air show. The pilot was killed. Witnesses observed the accident airplane at approximately 200 feet agl, trailing a twin-engine bomber on approach to the airport. The Wildcat had executed a series of 360-degree steep turns for spacing. During its last turn the aircraft pitched up, then descended in a partial spin before colliding with the ground about a quarter-mile from the approach end of the runway. A witness reported that the propeller was turning and the engine did not appear to have...
Key Takeaways:
- A WWII-vintage FM-2 Wildcat warbird was destroyed during the Wings Over Houston air show following an in-flight loss of control, resulting in the pilot's death.
- The accident occurred at approximately 200 feet agl as the aircraft executed steep turns for spacing, pitching up and descending in a partial spin.
- Despite witnesses reporting the engine appeared to be functioning normally, FAA inspectors found the throttle in the full open position and the mixture set at idle cut-off.
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