Extra EA 300/L | N512DW
October 20th, 2024 | Las Cruces, New Mexico
Accident Location
- City: Las Cruces
- State: New Mexico
- Latitude: 32.289
- Longitude: -106.922
- Airport ID: KLRU
Aircraft Info
- N Number: N512DW
- Make: Extra
- Model: EA 300/L
- Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
- Amateur Built: No
Pilot Info
- PIC Name: Coleman, Charles Thomas
- Gender: Male
- Pilot Age: 61
- Pilot Hours:
- Flight School:
- Instructional Flight:
- Pilot Certification: Airline Transport Pilot
- IFR Rating: Yes
- Pilot Error: Yes
- Pilot Medical: 2nd Class Medical
- Pilot Incapacitation: No
Analysis
- Date: October 20th, 2024
- Time: 2:25 PM Local Time
- Day / Night: Day
- VMC / IMC: VMC
- Phase Of Flight: Maneuvering
- Total People Onboard: 1
- PIC Fatality: 1
- PAX Fatalities: 0
- Ground Fatalities: 0
- Total Fatalities: 1
- NTSB No: WPR25FA020
- NTSB Travel: Unknown
- AQP Classification: 22) AIRSHOW, U-FIT
Probable Cause
DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot performed aerobatics at an altitude too low in order to effect a proper recovery from the inadvertent loss of control that he encountered.
NTSB: NONE
Recommendation
DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft allow a higher, safer performance cushion, and that airshow routines performed for public viewing be limited to not less than 500 AGL for all performances where the public is invited as paying spectators. The public does not know, or care about waivers or credentials. They prefer to see a pleasant display conducted up high that is easy to view, and that will not promote the public death of human beings while being viewed by children and families. The DTSB recommends that aerobatic performances be broken into three categories: Private practice, competition, and public viewing. The absolute minimum floor for all public performances should be not less than 500 AGL regardless of experience or previous credential.
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.