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September 1, 2012, Davenport, Iowa, Aero Vodochody L39C Albatros

At approximately 1330 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an air show performance. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

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Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane crashed during an air show performance, resulting in the fatal injury of the commercial pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.
  • The accident occurred while the airplane was executing a crossover break maneuver as part of a three-plane formation, initiating a right turn before descending and impacting terrain.
  • A post-impact fire ensued, with no evidence of an in-flight collision.
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At approximately 1330 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering during an air show performance. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.

Video and witness information revealed the flight of three L-39s were traveling in a westerly direction away from the spectators. According to the lead pilot, the airplanes were executing a crossover break maneuver, which the accident airplane initiated from the left wing position. The accident airplane entered a right turn, descended and impacted the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued. No evidence of any in-flight collision with the other airplanes was observed.

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