At 1831 Pacific time, an experimental Smith Miniplane DSA1 struck the ground while maneuvering near Lake Wohlford Airport. The pilot died the next day. A witness said he saw the airplane about 200 feet agl passing over the airport too fast and not at a normal landing attitude. At about 50 feet agl over the runway, the airplane did what the witness described as a barrel roll to the left and struck the ground. An acquaintance of the pilot said the pilot commonly did aerobatic maneuvers in his airplane, usually at about 400 feet agl.
September 15, Escondido, Calif. / Smith Miniplane
At 1831 Pacific time, an experimental Smith Miniplane DSA1 struck the ground while maneuvering near Lake Wohlford Airport. The pilot died the next day. A witness said he saw the airplane about 200 feet agl passing over the airport too fast and not at a normal landing attitude. At about 50 feet agl over the runway, the airplane did what the witness described as a barrel roll to the left and struck the ground. An acquaintance of the pilot said the pilot commonly did aerobatic maneuvers in his airplane, usually at about 400 feet agl....
Key Takeaways:
- An experimental Smith Miniplane DSA1 crashed near Lake Wohlford Airport, resulting in the pilot's death.
- A witness observed the aircraft performing a barrel roll at 50 feet above ground level before impact, after being seen approaching too fast and not in a normal landing attitude.
- The pilot had a known history of performing aerobatic maneuvers, though typically at higher altitudes (around 400 feet AGL).
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