# NTSB LAX90DUQ02: Folland Gnat T-1, N1CW, Mojave, CA, September 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1990, 09:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Mojave, CA
- Coordinates: 35.070335, -118.179283 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0703&lon=-118.1793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26554
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DUQ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26554/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DUQ02

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO CORRECT A DESCENT DURING A LOW LEVEL AEROBACTICS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate

## Analysis

WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRCRAFT HAD MADE SEVERAL LOW PASSES OVER THE RUNWAY WHILE PERFORMING LOW LEVEL AEROBATICS FOR FILMING PURPOSES. ON THE LAST PASS THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A SLOW ROLL. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT REACHED THE INVERTED POSITION IT HESITATED AND THEN DESCENDED INVERTED INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1CW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1CW-2006-05-31), registration cancelled 2006-05-31, S/N FL537, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FOLLAND GNAT T-1
- Registry model: [Folland GNAT T 1](https://openairdocs.org/model/folland-gnat-t-1) (registry code 3570100) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rolls-Royce OLYMPUS-593MK series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rolls-royce-olympus-593mk-series) (registry code 54570, turbo-jet) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: FL 537
- Engines: Rolls-Royce OLYMPUS 593 5100 lbs thrust turbo jet
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jeti Incorporated
- Registered owner: Jeti Incorporated
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: MHV, Mojave

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,000 total, 20 in this make and model, 4,800 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19900930043209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900930043209A), Sep 30, 1990: Amtrja GNAT, Mojave, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Dived inverted into ground and disintegrated while attempting a low altitude roll for a movie. No record of training

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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