21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Fokker DR. 1 Replica | N54517

May 26th, 2026 | Frankston, Texas

Accident Location

  • City: Frankston
  • State: Texas
  • Latitude: 32° 4' 54.33" N
  • Longitude: 95° 27' 22.37" W
  • Airport ID: T25

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N54517
  • Make: Fokker
  • Model: DR. 1 Replica
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: Yes

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Whiddon, Mark Henry
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 59
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: May 26th, 2026
  • Time: 8:10 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Takeoff
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No:
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: Pending. According to witnesses, pilot likely attempted impossible turn after loss of thrust on takeoff.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: Pending.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.