# NTSB NYC04LA004: Pfeifler Edge-540, N540SH, Warrenton, VA, October 7, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 7, 2003, 16:10 local (20:10 UTC) - Place: Warrenton, VA - Coordinates: 38.586944, -77.711112 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5869&lon=-77.7111&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 29, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 58108 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC04LA004 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58108/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA004 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while performing aerobatic maneuvers. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The pilot was practicing aerobatics for an upcoming air show. The airplane was observed in a vertical climb, followed by a downward spiral. The airplane then leveled off, and entered a flat spin, before it pitched down and impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The airplane had been operated for about 520 hours at the time of it's most recent condition inspection, which was performed about 3 weeks prior to the accident. The airplane had been operated for about 23 hours since the inspection. The pilot purchased the airplane about 8 months prior to the accident, and possessed a current statement of acrobatic competency. ## Factual narrative On October 7, 2003, about 1610 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Edge-540, N540SH, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while maneuvering in Warrenton, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was practicing aerobatics above the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, for an upcoming air show. A witness stated he observed the airplane performing a "spin maneuver." He further stated, "...The aircraft seemed to take an extensive amount of time starting a recovery. [It] began recovering from the dive then disappeared behind the hangars. I then heard the aircraft impact...." Another witness stated he observed the airplane flying straight and level about 40 feet above a runway. The airplane then pitched up and began to climb vertically to an estimated altitude of about 600 feet. The airplane then pitched down 180 degrees, and began to "corkscrew" downward, before it leveled off and entered a flat spin. When the airplane was about 40 feet above the ground, the airplane's rotation slowed to a near stop, and it's nose dropped about 20 to 30 degrees. The airplane then began a "sluggish" movement downward and forward, until it impacted the ground. The witness added that he could hear the engine running until the airplane impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane had been operated for about 520 hours at the time of it's most recent condition inspection, which was performed on September 13, 2003. The airplane had been operated for about 23 hours since the inspection. The pilot purchased the airplane on January 27, 2003. He reported 4,100 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA second class medical certificate, which was dated April 30, 2002. He also possessed a statement of acrobatic competency which was valid until August 31, 2004. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N540SH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N540SH-2012-09-12), registration cancelled 2012-09-12, S/N 0012, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Pfeifler Edge-540 - Registry model: [Pfeifler Mark C EDGE-540](https://openairdocs.org/model/pfeifler-mark-c-edge-540) (registry code 05625ZK) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-540-series) (registry code 41568, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 0012 - Airframe hours: 543 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-540 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Jonathan D. Wood - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, September 13, 2003, 520 hours before - Departed: W66, Warrenton, VA - Destination: W66 - Airport: W66, Warrenton-Fauquier ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 36; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,100 total, 40 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.15 inHg - Observed at: HEF, 12 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 20031007030469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20031007030469A), Oct 7, 2003: Amtr EDGE540, Warrenton, VA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) On October 7, 2003 at 1610 EST N540SH, an edge 540 owned and operated by jonathan d. wood, performed a series of 5 aerobatic maneuvers while preparing… 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.