Amateur-built AVID MARK IV accident near Arp, Texas, August 9, 2026
On August 9, 2026 at about 9:55 pm local time, a 1996 amateur-built AVID MARK IV, registered N77FB, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Arp, Texas. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- August 9, 2026 · about 9:55 pm local time
- Place
- Arp, Texas · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built AVID MARK IV, built 1996
- Registration
- N77FB · registry record · serial 989
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On August 9, 2026, at about 1655 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Avid Mark IV, N77FB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arp, Texas. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to witnesses, the accident airplane and a second airplane had landed in a grass field earlier in the afternoon. The accident airplane subsequently departed the field first and remained in the vicinity while the second airplane departed. Witnesses reported that after takeoff, the accident airplane was flying at a low altitude and appeared to be moving slowly as it maneuvered near the second airplane. The accident airplane then entered a steep left bank, followed by a steep descending turn. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain adjacent to the field. The airplane came to rest with all major components located at the accident site. The fuselage sustained impact damage, and both wings remained attached to the fuselage. Examination of the airframe confirmed flight control continuity, and no evidence of preimpact flight control anomaly was observed. Both wing fuel tanks remained intact and contained fuel. Examination of the engine confirmed mechanical continuity and compression on all cylinders. No evidence of a preimpact mechanical anomaly was observed that would have precluded normal operation. An electronic flight instrument was recovered and retained for further examination.
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 (low-alt flying) defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 2,176.9 hours
- Last inspection: inspection type not recorded
- Maximum gross weight: 1,151 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
The flight
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 160° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 95°F (35°C), dew point 68°F (20°C)
- Altimeter: 29.98 inHg
- Observation at 4:35 pm from KRFI, 12 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KRFI 092135Z AUTO 16004KT 10SM CLR 35/20 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE T03450195 $
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check 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.