American Champion 8KCAB | N157WB
December 13th, 2025 | Bayou La Batre, Alabama
Accident Location
- City: Bayou La Batre
- State: Alabama
- Latitude: 30.449722
- Longitude: -88.211944
- Airport ID: 5R7
Aircraft Info
- N Number: N157WB
- Make: American Champion
- Model: 8KCAB
- Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
- Amateur Built: No
Pilot Info
- PIC Name: Jenista, John Christopher
- Gender: Male
- Pilot Age: 58
- Pilot Hours:
- Flight School: No
- Instructional Flight: No
- Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
- IFR Rating: Yes
- Pilot Error: Yes
- Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
- Pilot Incapacitation: No
Analysis
- Date: December 13th, 2025
- Time: 11:15 AM Local Time
- Day / Night: Day
- VMC / IMC: IMC
- Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
- Total People Onboard: 1
- PIC Fatality: 1
- PAX Fatalities: 0
- Ground Fatalities: 0
- Total Fatalities: 1
- NTSB No:
- NTSB Travel: Unknown
- AQP Classification: 22) AIRSHOW, U-FIT
Probable Cause
DTSB: Pending. Reports are varied, but apparently the accident pilot stopped at this airport to pick up a pilots emergency bailout rig after a repack. Unofficial reported attempted aileron roll and stall after taking off to the south. The crash site is approximately 100 yards south of the departure end of the runway. Fire and rescue first responders were able to stretch a hose to the accident site but there was no fire. Accident pilot was still wearing a pilots emergency parachute rig when first responders reached him.
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.