N985GC

Substantial
Serious

Hillery W. Grice Alley Cat 1S/N: AC007

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 19, 2007
NTSB Number
MIA07CA100
Location
Fairhope, AL
Event ID
20070626X00804
Coordinates
30.460556, -87.876945
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain terrain clearance while completing a loop at an airshow, resulting in impact with the runway.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HILLERY W. GRICE
Serial Number
AC007
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
Alley Cat 1UH12
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
ALLEY CAT 1

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
OMEGA 1 CORP
Address
1232 CHOPTANK RD
City
MIDDLETOWN
State / Zip Code
DE 19709-9038
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was completing his last maneuver (a loop) which would have culminated with a full-stop landing. He started the maneuver from the planned altitude of 150 feet and 140 miles-per-hour, and after reaching the top of the loop, recognized that the flight was slow. He continued the maneuver and was unable to accelerate and complete the maneuver. The airplane impacted the runway surface while in a "flat" attitude, but with a high rate of descent. He further stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA07CA100