# NTSB CEN09FA425: North American SNJ-5, N212TC, Simla, CO, July 9, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: July 9, 2009, 12:55 local (18:55 UTC) - Place: Simla, CO - Coordinates: 39.266387, -104.088333 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2664&lon=-104.0883&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report June 17, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 74242 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09FA425 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74242/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74242 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA425 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while practicing aerobatic maneuvers and his subsequent failure to recover from an inadvertent spin. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) (defining event); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [North American SNJ-5, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=6400418), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Witnesses observed the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers for approximately 15 minutes. They could not estimate how high the airplane was flying, but indicated it was too high to make out details on the airplane. They observed the airplane pull up vertical and perform a wing over or roll type maneuver. The airplane then entered a spin, which continued until the airplane impacted the ground. A post impact fire erupted immediately after impact. Each witness described the engine running until impact. During examination of the wreckage no anomalies were found with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On July 9, 2009, about 1255 mountain daylight time, a North American SNJ-5 model experimental airplane, N212TC, was destroyed following impact with terrain near Simla, Colorado. A post impact fire ensued. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated at Centennial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado, and was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Four witnesses observed the airplane performing aerobatic maneuvers for approximately 15 minutes. They could not estimate how high the airplane was flying, but indicated it was too high to make out details on the airplane. They observed the airplane pull up vertical and perform a wing over or roll type maneuver. The airplane then entered a spin, which continued until the airplane impacted the ground. A post impact fire ensued immediately after impact. Each witness described the engine running until impact. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 41, held an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane single-engine sea, airplane multi-engine land, and airplane multi-engine sea. His last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first-class medical certificate was issued on July 8, 2009, with no limitations. An examination of the pilot's logbook indicated a total flight time of 2,232 hours; 1,766 hours in single-engine airplanes, and 637 hours in the accident type airplane. He logged 36 hours in the previous 90 days and 11 hours in the previous 30 days. His last noted biannual flight review was completed December 13, 2007. The pilot regularly performed at air shows, held a waiver for low altitude aerobatics, and was race certified at the Reno National Air Races in the T-6 class. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The 1944-model North American SNJ-5, serial number 12141732, was a low wing experimental airplane, with retractable main landing gear, and was configured for two occupants sitting in tandem. The airplane was powered by a Pratt and Whitney R1340-AN1 engine, serial number 42-12672, rated at 550 horsepower, and driving a two bladed Hamilton Standard variable pitch propeller. The last airframe inspection was an annual type, conducted on July 19, 2008, with a tachometer time of 608.2 hours and 4,777.5 total airframe hours. The last engine inspection was an annual type, conducted on July 19, 2008, with a tachometer time of 608.2 hours and 672.1 hours since the last overhaul. According to an acquaintance of the pilot, the airplane’s horizontal tail had been replaced with an SNJ-2 (AT-6) horizontal tail at an undetermined time. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Weather at APA at 1253 was reported as 71 degrees Fahrenheit, winds variable at six miles per hour, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 7,000 feet, and scattered clouds at 12,000 feet. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION The airplane impacted in arural grass pasture. Examination of the airplane showed the fuselage from the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer forward to the engine firewall mostly consumed by fire. The inboard half of the left wing and the inboard four feet of the right wing were mostly consumed by fire. All flight control surfaces were present in the wreckage and flight control cable continuity was verified from all flight control surfaces to the forward cockpit floor. Damage to the wreckage prevented the verification of flight control continuity from the cockpit floor to the forward control stick and rudder pedals. The engine and pitot tube were imbedded in the ground at a 55 degree angle. Propeller blade A was protruding from the ground in a vertical position and attached to the propeller hub. The outboard third of blade A was bent aft about 45 degrees, had chord wise scratches, and the leading edge was polished. The propeller hub and blade B were imbedded in the ground on initial inspection. Once removed from the ground, blade B was bent aft against the lower engine cylinders and leading edge polishing was present. No anomalies were found with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The El Paso County coroner, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, performed an autopsy on the pilot on July 10, 2009. The cause of death was attributed to thermal injuries and blunt force trauma. The FAA, Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. Testing for carbon monoxide and cyanide were not performed. No volatiles or drugs were detected: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The USAF Flight Handbook for the T-6G (an Air Force derivative of the SNJ-5), AN 01-60FFA-1, stated the minimum altitude for intentionally entering a spin is 10,000 feet above ground level. Normally certificated SNJ-5 airplanes (non-military) were not certified to perform spins. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N212TC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N212TC), registered now, S/N 12141732, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: NORTH AMERICAN SNJ-5 - Registry model: [North American SNJ-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/north-american-snj-5) (registry code 6400418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 12141732 - Airframe hours: 4778 - Engines: P&W R1340 SERIES 550 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Gary Miller - Registered owner: Dwc Golden Eagle Of Delaware LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, July 19, 2008 - Departed: APA, Englewood, CO - Destination: APA, Englewood, CO - Airport: APA, Centenial Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; injuries: fatal; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 13, 2007; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,232 total, 637 in this make and model, 2,090 as pilot in command, 584 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 72 °F - Observed at: APA, 46 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20090709012199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090709012199A), Jul 9, 2009: Namer SNJ5, Simla, CO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) On July 9, 2009 at about 1300 MDT, the ATP rated pilot of N212TC, and SNJ-5 was practicing aerobatics near Simla, Colorado, and apparently lost control… ## Other investigations on N212TC (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB DEN05LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA143), Sep 19, 2005: North American SNJ-5 (N212TC), Torrington, WY, substantial damage. Probable cause: failure of the #7 connecting rod, causing engine seizure. A contributing factor was the berm. ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 27, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74242. 12.6 MB in all. - Witness Statements - Police/Written (item 1, .PDF, 8.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327978&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements%20-%20Police%2FWritten-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Jones (item 2, .PDF, 38 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327829&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Jones-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Shelton (item 3, .PDF, 39 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327831&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Shelton-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Witness Einspahr (item 4, .PDF, 923 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327842&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Witness%20Einspahr-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Witness Ruebesam (item 5, .PDF, 868 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327844&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Witness%20Ruebesam-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Witness Paintin (item 6, .PDF, 838 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327846&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Witness%20Paintin-Redacted.PDF - Maps or Charts of Accident Area, Wreckage Diagrams (item 7, .PDF, 143 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327826&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps%20or%20Charts%20of%20Accident%20Area,%20Wreckage%20Diagrams-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 8, .PDF, 44 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40328035&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 9, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327825&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous T-6 Ops Manual Excert (item 10, .PDF, 156 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327832&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20T-6%20Ops%20Manual%20Excert-Master.PDF - Photo-Wreckage 1 (item 11, .PDF, 243 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327833&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-Wreckage%201-Master.PDF - Photo-Wreckage 2 (item 12, .PDF, 254 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327834&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-Wreckage%202-Master.PDF - Photo-Wreckage 3 (item 13, .PDF, 225 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40327835&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo-Wreckage%203-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.