Summary
On June 20, 2015, a Vans Aircraft INC RV-12 (N242VA) was involved in an incident near Oshkosh, WI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's glide path during the final approach, which resulted in a low approach path and impact with terrain.
The pilot reported that during the final approach to land as part of a formation flight, he was focused on monitoring the airplane that landed in front of him, and his airplane's airspeed indicator. As a result, he inadvertently flew below the normal glide path, impacted terrain, and sheared off the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA159. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N242VA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's glide path during the final approach, which resulted in a low approach path and impact with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the final approach to land as part of a formation flight, he was focused on monitoring the airplane that landed in front of him, and his airplane's airspeed indicator. As a result, he inadvertently flew below the normal glide path, impacted terrain, and sheared off the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA159