# NTSB ERA26FA294: Bachem Fritz M Avid Mark IV, N77FB, Arp, TX, August 9, 2026

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report
- Date: August 9, 2026, 16:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Arp, TX
- Coordinates: 32, -95 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.0000&lon=-95.0000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Investigation ongoing
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 203553
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA26FA294
- NTSB preliminary report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/203553/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA294

## Preliminary report

On August 9, 2026, at about 1655 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Avid Mark IV, N77FB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arp, Texas. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to witnesses, the accident airplane and a second airplane had landed in a grass field earlier in the afternoon. The accident airplane subsequently departed the field first and remained in the vicinity while the second airplane departed. Witnesses reported that after takeoff, the accident airplane was flying at a low altitude and appeared to be moving slowly as it maneuvered near the second airplane. The accident airplane then entered a steep left bank, followed by a steep descending turn. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain adjacent to the field. The airplane came to rest with all major components located at the accident site. The fuselage sustained impact damage, and both wings remained attached to the fuselage. Examination of the airframe confirmed flight control continuity, and no evidence of preimpact flight control anomaly was observed. Both wing fuel tanks remained intact and contained fuel. Examination of the engine confirmed mechanical continuity and compression on all cylinders. No evidence of a preimpact mechanical anomaly was observed that would have precluded normal operation. An electronic flight instrument was recovered and retained for further examination.

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Bachem Fritz M AVID MARK IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05603ER), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bachem Fritz M AVID MARK IV, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05603ER), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77FB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77FB), registered now, S/N 989, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BACHEM FRITZ M AVID MARK IV
- Registry model: [Bachem Fritz M AVID MARK IV](https://openairdocs.org/model/bachem-fritz-m-avid-mark-iv) (registry code 05603ER) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Jabiru 2200](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jabiru-2200) (registry code 34800, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 989
- Year built: 1996
- Airframe hours: 2176.9
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kramer Kaleb R
- Registered owner: Kramer Kaleb R
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special)
- Equipment: ADS-B

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.98 inHg
- Observed at: KRFI, 12 nm away
- METAR: METAR KRFI 092135Z AUTO 16004KT 10SM CLR 35/20 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE T03450195 $

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.

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