# NTSB ERA15LA172: Merian Richard F RV 8, N8JL, Tuscaloosa, AL, March 29, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 29, 2015, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Tuscaloosa, AL - Coordinates: 33.220554, -87.611389 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2206&lon=-87.6114&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Maneuvering-aerobatics: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 90946 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA15LA172 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/90946/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90946 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA172 ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The RV-8 pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the RV-6 while maneuvering during an air show, which resulted in a midair collision. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Merian Richard F RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=0561014), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Merian Richard F RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0561014), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Kight Daniel H RV-6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=05611RC), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Kight Daniel H RV-6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05611RC), [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: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Merian Richard F RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=0561014), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Kight Daniel H RV-6, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=05611RC), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The two experimental amateur-built airplanes were part of an air show team that was participating in an air show. At the time of the accident, an RV-6 and another airplane were flying in formation at an altitude of 500 ft above the ground, while the pilot an RV-8 intended to circle around the two airplanes from behind. While circling in a counter-clockwise direction, the RV-8 converged on the two airplanes flying in formation. The propeller of the RV-6, and the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer of the RV-8 made contact. The pilot of the RV-6 reported that the maneuver called for the RV-8 to be 100 ft behind the leading airplane. He was flying straight and level and focused on the airplane flying in formation on his left side when his airplane began to experience a sudden severe vibration. The pilot of the RV-8 reported that his airplane had overtaken the two airplanes and that he did not correct to compensate. He observed one of the airplanes pass off his left and heard a "bang" at that time. The RV-6 sustained minor damage to its propeller and the RV-8 sustained substantial damage to its right elevator and horizontal stabilizer. Both airplanes subsequently landed without further incident. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On March 29, 2015, about 1330 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8, N8JL, and an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-6, N722DK, collided in midair while maneuvering over the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport (TCL), Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The RV-8 was substantially damaged and the RV-6 sustained minor damage. Both airplanes subsequently landed without further incident. The pilot of the RV-8 and the pilot of the RV-6 were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed no flight plan had been filed for the local demonstration flight that was conducted under the provision of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Both airplanes were part of "Team Aerodynamix" an air show team that was participating in the Tuscaloosa Regional Air Show. At the time of the accident, the RV-6 and another airplane were flying in formation at an altitude of 500 ft above runway 04/22, while the pilot of the RV-8 intended to circle around the two airplanes from behind. An additional group of team airplanes were flying in the opposite direction. While circling in a counter-clockwise direction, the RV-8 converged on the two airplanes flying in formation, and the propeller of the RV-6, which was flying on the right side of the formation, and the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer of the RV-8 made contact. The pilot of the RV-6 reported that the maneuver called for the trailing/circling airplane to be 100 ft behind the leading airplane. He was flying straight and level and focused on the airplane flying in formation on his left side, when his airplane began to experience a sudden severe vibration. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that portions of the propeller were missing. The pilot of the RV-8 reported that the maneuver had been practiced many times previously. He began rolling to the left while positioned about 4 to 5 airplane lengths behind the two airplanes. During his third roll, his airplane had overtaken the airplanes flying in formation during the final one-fourth to one-half of the roll. The pilot added that he "didn't correct to compensate." He observed one of the airplanes pass off his left and heard a "bang" at that time. Postaccident examination of the RV-8 revealed that the outboard one-third of the right horizontal stabilizer, and the outboard two-thirds of the right elevator were separated. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N8JL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8JL), registered now, S/N 81324, built 2001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: MERIAN RICHARD F RV 8 - Registry model: [Merian Richard F RV-8](https://openairdocs.org/model/merian-richard-f-rv-8) (registry code 0561014) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 81324 - Year built: 2001 - Airframe hours: 2243 - Engines: ECI DIOX-370 205 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, February 27, 2015, 25 hours before - Departed: TCL, Tuscaloosa, AL - Destination: TCL, Tuscaloosa, AL - Airport: TCL, Tuscaloosa Rgnl - Equipment: Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Auto-pilot, ADS-B ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N722DK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N722DK), registered now, S/N 24298, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: KIGHT DANIEL H RV 6 - Registry model: [Kight Daniel H RV-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/kight-daniel-h-rv-6) (registry code 05611RC) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 24298 - Year built: 2002 - Airframe hours: 2142 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, December 5, 2014, 22 hours before - Departed: TCL, Tuscaloosa, AL - Destination: TCL, Tuscaloosa, AL - Airport: TCL, Tuscaloosa Rgnl - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N8JL; age 64; injuries: none; flight engineer, commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review March 7, 2015; seat: left; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 19,100 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 15,000 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours - Pilot, aircraft N722DK; age 41; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 7, 2015; seat: front; flight hours: 731 total, 146 in this make and model, 44 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,600 ft overcast - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.28 inHg - Icing: Unknown - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: TCL ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20150329004112A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150329004112A), Mar 29, 2015: Merian Richard F RV-8, Tuscaloosa, AL, Substantial damage. Airman was performing as part of a three ship formation. Airman was trailing two other aircraft. Airman intended to complete a barrel roll maneuver around the… - [Accident 20150329004122A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150329004122A), Mar 29, 2015: Kight Daniel H RV-6, Tuscaloosa, AL, Substantial damage. Airman was performing as part of a three ship formation. Airman was in the right wingman position behind the lead aircraft. The third aircraft intended to… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 19, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90946. 8.6 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (N8JL) (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 7.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=10100845&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=1_NTSB%20PO%20Report%20Form%20N8JL_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (N722DK) (item 2, PDF, 9 pages, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=10101156&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=2_NTSB%20PO%20Report%20Form%20N722DK_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigation photographs (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 2 photos, 300 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=10101011&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=3_Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Video of collision (duration - 4 seconds) (item 4, MOV, 305 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=10101020&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=Mid_Air_Video%20Excerpt-Rel.MOV 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.