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 General Motors FM-2 Wildcat warbird crashed near Ellington Field during the Wings Over Houston air show, resulting in the pilot's death.
- The accident occurred following an in-flight loss of control during a series of steep turns, where the aircraft pitched up, descended in a partial spin, and collided with the ground.
- Post-crash inspection revealed the aircraft's throttle was in the full open position and the mixture set at idle cut-off, despite witnesses reporting the engine appeared to be functioning prior to impact.
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