This January 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: RV-8. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Location: Sequim, Wash. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was to complete a flight review for the owner of the airplane. Both the pilot/aircraft owner and the CFI held ATP certificates.
The weather in the area indicated wind from the northwest at four knots, visibility 10 miles and an overcast ceiling at 700 feet. According to witnesses, the plane had joined the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern when it began a 60° to 90° turn to the right. After completing about one full circle, the plane banked back to the left, pitched nose-down, and crashed.
Based on the damage to the airframe, investigators determined the pilot had encountered a stall/spin scenario and did not have adequate altitude to recover.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: WPR10LA103
