# NTSB WPR12CA005: Combs Dale B RV-4, N506DC, Madera, CA, October 11, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 11, 2011, 11:15 local (18:15 UTC) - Place: Madera, CA - Coordinates: 36.990001, -119.959999 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9900&lon=-119.9600&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 27, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Adminstration FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 82042 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR12CA005 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82042/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82042 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA005 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The third airplane pilot’s failure to maintain visual contact with the second airplane during the formation flight. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The third airplane pilot’s failure to maintain visual contact with the second airplane during the formation flight. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Combs Dale B RV-4, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=056026C), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Combs Dale B RV-4, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=056026C), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Freitag Ernst VANS RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05614KL), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other person](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Freitag Ernst VANS RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535/cases.md?model=05614KL), [All aircraft, 200 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021535/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Combs Dale B RV-4, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=056026C), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Freitag Ernst VANS RV-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=05614KL), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The two accident airplanes were part of a three-airplane formation flight comprised of an RV-8 airplane in the lead position, an RV-8 in the second position, and an RV-4 in the third position. The group performed a formation flight briefing prior to flight. Three uneventful formation maneuvers were performed after departure; for the fourth maneuver, the lead pilot made a radio call commanding the group to begin a climbing left turn. All members of the group responded in the affirmative, and the lead pilot pitched his airplane up and began the turn. After a 2-second interval, the second RV-8 pilot began the maneuver, following the first airplane. The RV-4 pilot then began the maneuver and momentarily lost visual contact with the second RV-8. He then made visual contact with the lead airplane but misidentified it as the second RV-8. He then realized he was in error, but, just as he was about to perform evasive maneuvers, his airplane struck the second RV-8. The RV-4 sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage, and the left wing tip and aileron partially separated from the airplane after making contact with the propeller of the RV-8. The pilot reported that the airplane began a 4,000-foot-per-minute spiraling descent and did not respond to aileron control inputs. He regained control of the airplane utilizing rudder, elevator, and throttle control, and subsequently performed a forced landing into a field. The RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the outboard section of the right wing leading edge and returned to the departure airport uneventfully. Both pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The two accident airplanes were part of a three-airplane formation flight comprised of an RV-8 airplane in the lead position, an RV-8 in the second position, and an RV-4 in the third position. The group performed a formation flight briefing prior to flight. Three uneventful formation maneuvers were performed after departure; for the fourth maneuver, the lead pilot made a radio call commanding the group to begin a climbing left turn. All members of the group responded in the affirmative, and the lead pilot pitched his airplane up and began the turn. After a 2-second interval, the second RV-8 pilot began the maneuver, following the first airplane. The RV-4 pilot then began the maneuver and momentarily lost visual contact with the second RV-8. He then made visual contact with the lead airplane but misidentified it as the second RV-8. He then realized he was in error, but, just as he was about to perform evasive maneuvers, his airplane struck the second RV-8. The RV-4 sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage, and the left wing tip and aileron partially separated from the airplane after making contact with the propeller of the RV-8. The pilot reported that the airplane began a 4,000-foot-per-minute spiraling descent and did not respond to aileron control inputs. He regained control of the airplane utilizing rudder, elevator, and throttle control, and subsequently performed a forced landing into a field. The RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the outboard section of the right wing leading edge and returned to the departure airport uneventfully. Both pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) The two airplanes were part of a three-ship formation flight comprised of an RV-8 airplane in the lead position, an RV-8 in position two, and an RV-4 in position three. The group performed a formation flight briefing prior to flight, followed by three uneventful formation maneuvers after departure. For the fourth maneuver, the lead pilot made a radio call commanding the group to begin a climbing left turn. All members of the group responded in the affirmative, and the lead airplane pitched up and began the turn. After a 2-second-interval, the second RV-8 began the maneuver, following in-trail. The pilot of the RV-4 then began the maneuver, and momentarily lost visual contact with the second RV-8. He then made visual contact with the lead airplane, misidentifying it as the second RV-8. He realized he was in error, and just as he was about to perform evasive maneuvers, his airplane struck the second RV-8. The RV-4 suffered substantial damage to the aft fuselage, with the left wing tip and aileron partially separating from the airplane after making contact with the propeller of the RV-8. The pilot reported that the airplane began a 4,000-foot-per-minute spiraling descent, and did not respond to aileron control inputs. He regained control of the airplane utilizing rudder, elevator, and throttle control, and subsequently performed a forced landing into a field. The RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the outboard section of the right wing leading edge, and returned to the departure airport uneventfully. Both pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) The two airplanes were part of a three-ship formation flight comprised of an RV-8 airplane in the lead position, an RV-8 in position two, and an RV-4 in position three. The group performed a formation flight briefing prior to flight, followed by three uneventful formation maneuvers after departure. For the fourth maneuver, the lead pilot made a radio call commanding the group to begin a climbing left turn. All members of the group responded in the affirmative, and the lead airplane pitched up and began the turn. After a 2-second-interval, the second RV-8 began the maneuver, following in-trail. The pilot of the RV-4 then began the maneuver, and momentarily lost visual contact with the second RV-8. He then made visual contact with the lead airplane, misidentifying it as the second RV-8. He realized he was in error, and just as he was about to perform evasive maneuvers, his airplane struck the second RV-8. The RV-4 suffered substantial damage to the aft fuselage, with the left wing tip and aileron partially separating from the airplane after making contact with the propeller of the RV-8. The pilot reported that the airplane began a 4,000-foot-per minute spiraling descent, and did not respond to aileron control inputs. He regained control of the airplane utilizing rudder, elevator, and throttle control, and subsequently performed a forced landing into a field. The RV-8 sustained substantial damage to the outboard section of the right wing leading edge, and returned to the departure airport uneventfully. Both pilots reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N506DC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N506DC), registered now, S/N 001, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: COMBS DALE B RV-4 - Registry model: [Combs Dale B RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/combs-dale-b-rv-4) (registry code 056026C) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 001 - Airframe hours: 580 - Engines: SUPERIOR IO 360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, May 6, 2011, 30 hours before - Departed: E79, Fresno, CA - Destination: E79, Fresno, CA - Airport: E79, Fresno ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N427EF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N427EF), registered now, S/N 80200, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: FREITAG ERNST VANS RV-8 - Registry model: [Freitag Ernst VANS RV-8](https://openairdocs.org/model/freitag-ernst-vans-rv-8) (registry code 05614KL) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 80200 - Airframe hours: 400 - Engines: LYCOMING IO 360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, October 5, 2010, 5 hours before - Departed: E79, Fresno, CA - Destination: E79, Madera, CA - Airport: E79, Fresno ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N506DC; age 62; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 4, 2011; seat: front; flight hours: 5,000 total, 600 in this make and model, 35 in the last 90 days - Pilot, aircraft N427EF; age 63; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review January 3, 2010; seat: front; flight hours: 4,000 total, 400 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: KFAT, 20 nm away ## 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 20111011022792A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111011022792A), Oct 11, 2011: Combs Dale B RV-4, Madera, CA, Destroyed. While practicing flying in formation, a pitch up and bank maneuver resulted in the pilot of 506DC losing sight of 427EF. A collision then occurred when 506DC… - [Accident 20111011022802A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111011022802A), Oct 11, 2011: Freitag Ernst VANS RV-8, Madera, CA, Substantial damage. While practicing flying in formation, a briefed pitch up and bank maneuver resulted in the collision of N427EF and N506DC. N427EF (piloted by [privacy data… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 21, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82042. 900 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N506DC (item 1, .PDF, 456 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358295&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N506DC-Redacted.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N427EF (item 2, .PDF, 326 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358296&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N427EF-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1: N506DC-RV4 Damage to left wing and aft fuselage. (item 3, .PDF, 77 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358315&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20N506DC-RV4%20Damage%20to%20left%20wing%20and%20aft%20fuselage.-Master.PDF - Photo 2: N427EF-RV8 Damage to right wing. (item 4, .PDF, 41 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358319&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20N427EF-RV8%20Damage%20to%20right%20wing.-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.