Accident investigators are reviewing amateur video that shows a Piper Aerostar twin performing extreme low-level maneuvers over a Colorado neighborhood moments before crashing.
The pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was killed instantly when the Piper crashed in a fireball next to homes on the outskirts of Aurora. Nobody on the ground was hurt.
In its preliminary accident report, the FAA noted that the Aerostar 601, built in 1975, crashed while performing "aerobatic maneuvers."
Former NTSB investigator Greg Feith told KUSA news that the video of the pilot flying low over homes raises serious red flags.
"There's a high probability that the pilot knew the area and may have even lived in the area," Feith said. "It is a populated area, very nice homes there and it may be that he was flying the aircraft over his own house or that of friend's, and whatever maneuver he tried to execute he was unable to do it."
The son of the airplane's former owner told a California TV station his father sold the Piper two weeks ago. Authorities have yet to identify the pilot.
Get exclusive online content like this delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our free enewsletter.
We welcome your comments on flyingmag.com. In order to maintain a respectful environment, we ask that all comments be on-topic, respectful and spam-free. All comments made here are public and may be republished by Flying.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox