Amateur-built RV6A accident near Englewood, Florida, April 4, 2009
On April 4, 2009 at about 6:35 pm local time, a amateur-built RV6A, registered N88WG, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (aerobatics) near Englewood, Florida. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed and 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's operation of the airplane while impaired (alcohol) and his decision to attempt aerobatic maneuvers at a low altitude resulting in the loss of aircraft control and subsequent collision with trees.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- April 4, 2009 · about 6:35 pm local time
- Place
- Englewood, Florida · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed and 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built RV6A
- Registration
- N88WG · no longer on the register · serial 23495
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
According to the passenger, he and the pilot were returning to the airport after a local flight, when he heard a loud snap or a loud bang. The airplane began to buffet, the pilot moved the control stick forward and aft, and the airplane subsequently impacted trees. Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane flying overhead at an altitude of 300 feet. They reported the airplane was performing aerobatic maneuvers described as a "barrel roll" or a "loop." A postaccident examination of the airframe, engine and system components revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Post-mortem toxicology testing identified ethanol in the pilot's blood, vitreous, and urine, at impairing levels. The pilot had multiple convictions of driving under the influence (DUI), and the FAA had twice revoked the pilot's medical certificate for alcohol related offenses.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of control in flight during maneuvering (aerobatics) defining event
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Aircraft capability › (general) › Capability exceeded
- cause Personnel issues › Physical › Impairment/incapacitation › Alcohol › Pilot
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Info processing/decision › Decision making/judgment › Pilot
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 3,000 hours in all
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Last inspection: condition inspection
- Maximum gross weight: 1,650 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-360-A1D (piston); 0 hours total
- Fire on the ground
The flight
- Departed from: VNC Venice Municipa FL at 6:15 pm
- Destination: VNC Venice Municipa FL
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: dawn
- Wind: from 260° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: broken clouds at 4,300 ft; clear
- Temperature: 79°F (26°C), dew point 57°F (14°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 6:53 pm from SRQ, 28 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.