NTSB: AT-6D Warbird Crashed During Formation Training Near Bronson

NTSB RELEASES PRELIMINARY REPORT ON FATAL AT-6D CRASH

The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report regarding a fatal accident involving a North American AT-6D aircraft, registration N29678, that occurred about 3:36 p.m. EDT on April 13 near Bronson, Florida. The warbird crashed during a formation flight checkout conducted under Part 91 regulations in association with North American Training Association activities preceding the Sun 'n Fun fly-in.

According to the NTSB report, the AT-6D was the second aircraft in a two-airplane formation when it descended below 1,000 feet MSL, rolled right and lost control before entering a spin. The lead pilot observed the accident aircraft attempting recovery before ground impact, which was followed by a post-impact fire that destroyed much of the aircraft.

Investigators confirmed flight control continuity at the crash site, with fractured cables consistent with overload separations rather than pre-impact failure. The NTSB continues investigating to determine the specific cause of the loss of control that led to the fatal accident.