Edan was a good friend and a mentor. His signature blesses my logbook in more than one location. Taught me all I know about aerobatics and tailwheel flying. He was an exceptionally talented aviator, very safety focused, and understood the risks well. His mindset was one of safety first and no undue risks. He will be missed dearly by all that were blessed to know him and fly with him.
@@zfunk9 Anyone can speculate on the circumstances of an accident. It's easy to do. That said, being safety minded and proficient doesn't isolate you from the risks associated with this kind of flying. I encourage you, and all of us, to take a step back and wait for the lessons we will all learn from this unfortunate event. It's not fair to paint an opinion with limited data points.
My dad died doing an inverted flat spin in his Pitts Special. He crashed into a restaurant parking lot. He had flown airshows for several years and competed a lot in aerobatic competitions. He was the Unlimited Champion in the 1976 West Coast Aerobatic Championship. He was practicing that maneuver and for whatever reason, after starting to come out of the spin, popped back into the spin and couldn't recover in time.
I lost too many friends to this type of flying, and I quit before I became one of the RIP's. I just gave up motorcycles this spring at age 79, and yes, I still want to do both every time I walk past them in the garage. I'll stay in my sports car; it makes my wife happy." May God watch over his family.
I stopped using bikes after a lady ran into me, so no more Yamaha 500 SR (a lovely bike) and it took 8 years before I was back at work, after numerous operations (I stopped counting after ten)!
After a 30 year career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force I stopped flying once I'd left as I didn't fancy the airlines and my wife pointed out "The most dangerous part of an RAF pilot career is taking up GA flying once you've left". I looked back at the mates funerals I've attended and she has a point!
The one thing I have learned watching your channel is that I have no business being a pilot. Too many deadly factors to take into account at my age. Different aircraft have different tolerances. Altitude factors. Weather factors. Auto pilot, No auto pilot. Things you have to do pre-flight, post flight. It’s too much. Love your channel.
Agreed. Juan's videos are a great way of learning about and understanding the risks. We can (and should) apply the same kind of thinking to other dangerous activities like riding a motorcycle or driving a car. Are you really in the right frame of mind and capable of doing it safely? I've flown gliders in the past and would love to do so again, but I know that right now I don't have the spare mental capacity to be able to do something so demanding.
It's great to see someone actually admit that aviation is not right for them! There are far too many "commercial" pilots who have no business being in the cockpit.
Damn that’s a tough one. Juan there’s no one better than you to break down what happened and explain in detail what the audience is looking at in the video. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends 🙏🏻😔
I wonder how much the high density altitude played a part in accelerating his descent, making the maneuver take more altitude than normal (given the higher true airspeed and fall rate through the atmosphere). If he was practicing a maneuver down to 100' or so feet off the deck, this flat spin could've easily consumed the normally safe buffer built into the recovery height. It's worth noting also that the high performance wing design on the GB-1 is built to increase maneuverability which always happens at the sacrifice of stability and "polite" stall characteristics. Aerobatics is always shooting through several holes of the Swiss Cheese as a matter of practice, but you need a slice or two to keep you alive - in this case, clearly he found the last couple holes.
That's a good point and certainly plausible, but as Juan said, he was highly experienced flying in HDA, generally, and over this practice area, specifically. But anything's possible. As you say, it just takes one time finding those last couple of holes.
Could be, but as Juan said, he’s familiar with the aircraft and this location, and that shouldn’t have been much of a surprise. We’ve got a box nearby in Warrenton where my friend practices constantly in the off season. Perhaps if it was a new airshow venue on an extremely hot day with unfamiliar terrain cues to go off of during the routine, but that just doesn’t sound like the case here.
I've witnessed a few air show accidents over the years. There are a number of videos on UA-cam as well. As Juan said, this is an unforgiving type of flying.
could be as simple as simple as he miss judged or miss counting how many turns he did and pulled out of it one too late. maybe got ahead of himself and was thinking about the next maneuver. who knows, things happen.
I am shocked and brokenhearted. Edan was my friend and an outstanding acro pilot. He checked me out in the S-2B in the mid 90's. We reconnected to fly his Extra just before he purchased the GameBird. My prayers go out to his family. 😢💔🙏
I live down the road from the Gamebird manufacturing facility and know a couple of the guys that work on these. I’m not a pilot but it seems a hell of a deal for what you get out of this aircraft. Godspeed to this pilot and his family and friends. I’m sure that the Gamebird family is mourning as well.
Tragic...😔🙏 Your points well taken, Juan...as the late, great Chuck Yeager said, there are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots...
Density altitude will get you………so sorry to hear this. I was helping a good friend many years ago doing an airshow in Lubbock Texas one hot afternoon. He did a flat inverted spin in his Waco and we were very concerned when he went just one extra rotation before starting his recovery! We just knew he was going to knock the gear off of the plane but amazingly he missed the ground by mere inches. When he pulled pack into the pits I walked over to the plane and he told me “I forgot about the density altitude out here in West Texas”……I just commented “yes I noticed”.
I was elated the first time my CFI (RIP, Lou Fields) released me to do aerobatics on my own in the Citabria and went out to the designated area north of Mt Diablo and had a good old time doing all the maneuvers Lou taught me to do and when I came back, he said "Did you practice spins?" and I said "Sure did," and when he said "How many turns?" and I said "Thirteen," he did a literal spit-take with his coffee and exploded with "Jesus Christ, the Citabria is certificated for SIX. Haven't you ever heard of a flat spin?"
@@dewilderdbetter I had a good instructor. It was the only spinnable aircraft the school had. He said I needed to at least appear competent in the basics for the evaluator, even if we just went up to do two spins for the check ride. So I had a motivating factor too.
That flat lake water can really mess w/your depth perception. I think it's possible he forced that second accelerated stall thinking he was a lot closer to the water than he actually was. His recovery looked doable to me until that second stall. Just Sayin'.
I believe that. When I was learning to fly I had a hard time landing, I mean learning to land on a gigantic runway. My instructor took me to a little grass strip and I had it down well, right away
o ha e a pitts s1 that has been hanging in my hanger for about 40 years. i took aerobatcic lewssons many many years ago from art schol. he told me do not ever think you are great or even good. and never get over confident in your abilities. the plane will kick your ass everytime. i have lost several friends over the years practicing aero batics lost a close friend in merced calif when his pitts top wing came off. his name was dr sherm cooper. a very close family friend. i saw it happen , he was told that the plane was getting too old to put it thru what he was doing he had a new one being built but he had to go one last time. well it was his last time. still miss him to this day
Looking at the water white capping, looks like the winds were up pretty good too! RIP! Sad! 🙏😪 Your right about the longer you stay in this type of airshow flying, your chances for an accident greatly increase! Best example of this would be the French Connection, those two had been performing over 30 years, had a mid air practicing!
What is trippy is that hours prior to the accident I was watching these people take their privately owned f5 jets up in alpine Wyoming to do their morning flight. I talked with this gentleman while the pilots were getting ready and when we came back to watch them do their evening flight my family asked around if the jets were going up and they told us that this guy crashed earlier it’s crazy how much of a impact some people can have in such a short time. I also found out he lived right by my area in LA
Great report Juan, we can always count on you for the latest aviation news. Never forget your explanation of how it takes Av gas to carry more than you need. ✈️
People into this kind of thing don't like to hear it but "Air show" is really just a euphemism for "Watch me do these stupid, risky maneuvers on purpose".
@@Taladar2003you could say the same about drag racing, certain water sports, and many other hobbies/sports. Most things that are cool to watch aren’t very safe for the person involved.
I scared my self in a Citabria (in 1970) practicing loops when the greenhouse (clear plexiglass top of the fuselage) broke away. The turbulence across the tail was so violent I could only slow the descent to 700 FPM. and keep the tail vibrations low. I got the airplane on the ground safely. The greenhouse had been installed incorrectly. The fuselage tubing just forward of the horizontal stabilizer was all full of cracks. The airplane was repaired but I never performed aerobatics again. I went on to a career with the airlines flying gentle turns, climbs and descents.
Very sad loss for the community. I’m just starting out in a Pitts S2B. Gamebird is an amazing machine! Really interested in this investigation with such an experienced pilot and capable aircraft. Blue skies and tailwinds.
As a GA pilot and builder of 3 Experimental aircraft... I gave it up. I've lost the most friends due to aircraft accidents, motorcycle accidents, suicide and car accidents... in that order. Also sold the street bikes and now ride a dual sport off road.
If you're in a dive or cfit, yeah. But otherwise for forced landings you have some time to fly the plane all or part of the way through the crash, increasing survival odds.
I live in Alpine and I was hoping you'd cover this incident because the local news has been somewhat lackluster in its reporting. Thanks for doing what you do.
This plane was built at my local airport in Bentonville, Arkansas. Edan, I heard was a great guy. he had a beautiful plane I’ve seen fly around before he took it to where he lived. RIP.
Living on the edge too often results in a fatal situation ! There are all types of aviators !Myself and many others are just happy to move people safely from point A to B ! Thanx Juan for your reporting . Im sure pilots are learning from your work here !
Sorry to see, and hear about such a solid pilot crashing line this. Thanks Juan for breaking down what likely happened. It is a knife edge to dance on in Aerobatics
For a Lycoming engine powered aircraft the upright flat spin can only be done with full-left rudder, full aft and right stick combined with full power. The gyroscopic and precession effects of the propeller combine to raise the nose to an almost level attitude while the aircraft continues to spin. The recovery is done by first reducing power, neutralizing the control stick (and maybe some in-spin aileron) and applying opposite-spin rudder, which is this case is right rudder. In the video we can clearly see when the pilot commanded the recovery and then quickly entered a right hand spin which is consistent with the recovery procedure. However, the lack of depth perception (water makes you think you're much lower than you actually are) induced an abrupt pull, with the aircraft reaching its critical angle of attack, and a secondary stall-spin to the right at very low altitude. Sad to see. Be careful when doing low level aerobatics over water. All it takes is one mistake.
No Gamebird for me but I once owned a Cessna 152 aircraft with an Avco Lycoming engine. 152 NOT an aerobatic airplane but I did do stalls an what was approved for that aircraft
Living on the edge, with no safety margin, often has this result. Flying is all about mitigating risk, these aerobatic pilots knowingly fly into risk. Like the famous Top Gun Viper said, if you fly jets long enough, it’s bound to happen. Condolences to his friends and family, seems like a great guy.
I was told by the CFI who did my spin training in a GCBC that he knew of a guy who also got into a spin in a 182 with an STC for one of those beefy four blade props. Nose was pointed all the way down with zero power but he was never able to recover. Turns out that beefy windmilling prop was blocking the airflow from reaching the elevator and therefore not allowing the nose to be raised. All it would have taken was a touch of power.
Exactly. It’s the same as a windmilling prop on a multiengine blocking the air over the wing. We’ve proven this very fact with an Extra 300L. Point it vertical on the downline, idle engine, and you can barely pull hard before feeling the onset of stall/buffet. Bump in either a zero-thrust setting or a bit of power (accelerated slipstream) and you can G the hell out of the plane pulling out. 2) Water is a terrible reference to do low-level air work over. It’s very difficult to judge altitude over… ask any pilot with a seaplane rating. 3) We’ll never know, but this could have been caused by something as simple as an improperly set altimeter. Aerobatic pilots set the altimeter to zero (or some even set neg 50feet so 0’ indicated is 50’agl) when on the ground prior to departure. All your maneuvers should have a min entry altitude and recovery altitude. If the altimeter wasn’t set/zeroed out, the actual entry altitude could have in reality been too low, along with the actual recovery altitude…. this could easily be the outcome of that error.
So sorry for the loss. I really wish people wouldn't push the envelope too far ... because it is just simply sad when lives are lost. I have been to many airshows, but I have recently decided not to attend them anymore because they are simply a little more risky than I care to chance. Yes, the highways are terribly terribly dangerous, but that is something that we do have to put up with in order to get around. He was a good looking man, I'm sure intelligent as well, and I know will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Always great takes and input. Aviation will always be my first love. From flying king airs and 414s w my dad to fighters in the AF. But it is unforgiving. Pilots have a special bond. When we lose one it’s terribly sad. However, he was doing what he loved! God has him now. RIP… would have loved to have met you.
Sorry to see and hear of this incident. One roll too many. I've seen it so many times before. Same as the old pilot last month. Good report Juan Browne
Very sad to see this. Having watched many aerobatic shows over the years it is a stark reminder that there can be a price to pay for that astonishing display of pilot skills. RIP.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Edan, his family, and his friends. I was really looking forward to seeing him fly with airshow performer Sammy Mason at the Wings over Camarillo Airshow this year and talking to him and Sammy as well. Blue skies and tailwinds Edan, you will be missed 😭🙏🏻🕊️✈️
Saw a very similar accident in 1997, San Marcos, TX. Pilot Jim Kincaid was killed in a Pitts. Just a little low on airspeed, or a split second late in reacting… or pulling too hard as in this case. The speed with which that thing flipped is terrifying. No chance. Truly a business for the brave. RIP.
I live in NWA and the GB1s fly around all the time. I had one takeoff behind me as we departed KVBT R18 in a Cessna and this thing was GONE! It was so loud we could still hear it idling from inside our Cessna.
The thrill and challenge of these maneuvers also carry great risk in such a way that even when a virtual aerobatic expert does them dozens of times, each maneuver likely carries variability that produces a different and potentially devastating result. This thrill and challenge of this art is what life is about for many like Edan. He clearly lived a thrilling life and was doing something he loved in his passing. Although very sad, when viewed in context, he died in the glory of his passion. If we all are so lucky in the end, then God has blessed us. RIP aviator, may peace be with you, your family and friends.
Your’s are sensitive, technically astute, experienced perspectives-from the viewpoint of an enthusiastic GA and commercial pilot-respectful of regulator and investigator roles. Thanks JB.
I the past as a UK biker with many trips to watch the TT racing on the isle of Mann / it’s the same risk rolling the dice ..Thanks for your channel I have been a follower since your CB500 rally raid conversion.I then did mine and RTW trip followed over a year including 10,000 miles in the USA .Thanks again
I have always marvelled at watching highly skilled operators of machinery. Demonstrating expert skills and mastery , with extremes of operation, and expert manoeuvres . I abhor when any activity is taken to such an extreme that someone looses their lives for thrills. I’m not suggesting that other peoples activities should be restricted . North America Aviation has an outstanding record of implementing rules for safe operation. I just don’t want to watch any activity where the error tolerance is so small that a fatality can occur at anytime. I don’t want to see it, and get no thrill or pleasure from death defying stunts. Simply my feeling about another needless fatality.
Some of these guys would do this for fun without a single onlooker, but I completely agree about the risk. I always think to myself "it's not worth it" when I see one of these routines.
My son-in-law did his spin training for his instructor's certificate in a GB-1. He sent me video from the front seat and it's awesome. The power-to-weight ratio is as good as the large scale RC aerobatic planes I've seen, it will hang on the prop and accelerate straight up.
You are exaggerating a little bit,the GB-1 has excellent performance for what it is,but it is simply too heavy to hover vertically like a model airplane
@@Pennypincher-ue9ux Have you seen one fly? With a solo pilot it will hover. Empty weight is only 1290 pounds, gross weight is 2200. Maybe I exaggerated a bit on accelerating straight up.
I‘ve seen something almost similar with a Pitts, just too low, no stall. Hit the water hard and it was a matter of three seconds until the remains were all sub. RIBs with rescue swimmers were out there so quick they managed to rescue the unconscious pilot from the drowning plane. Lake St. Wolfgang, Austria, around 2005….
Sorry for you to have to report on this one mr.juan, but thanks for helping your brothers and sisters understand the physics, as far as living on the edge goes, l have to say I can understand that too, RIP Mr. Evan, and thanks again Mr Juan.
Edan gave a great presentation about his aerobatics and the new Game-Bird here at our local EAA chapter over a year ago here in Sandpoint, Idaho. What a great loss for aviation.
This feels a lot like he had the same "was that 4 or 5 spins" thought, and in the time it took to consider it, he had dropped far enough that the lake was surprisingly close, and that surprized caused the yank on the controls you talk about. He was lower than he intended, but i think that he could have made it out with some discomfort except for that one split second. really goes to show just how dangerous sport flying can get
Very nice job as usual Juan of explaining what happened and also being respectful of those involved. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 On another note, there was a midair collision of 2 crop dusters here in Arco, ID at the end of June (the 24th I think) one fatality on scene and the other taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries ( haven’t seen an update of his condition). I was just wondering if you are going to do a video of this accident also as I’m really hoping you will. Thanks for all you do for aviation, love your channel!!
.. "East Idaho NEWS" .. 23-July-2024 .. posted an NTSB-Report on the Crop-Dusters' Crash .. along with a brief Medical Update by the Owner of the Crop-Dusting Company, on the "still recovering pilot" ..🙏🙏.. The following is a statement from Brandon Visser, the owner of Visser Ag. “The pilot from the double plane cropdusting accident on June 20, 2024 is improving daily. He suffered significant injuries to his lower body because of the force of the accident. Both legs had multiple breaks from a broken ankle on one leg to a broken knee on the other. He fractured his pelvis and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is making progress everyday but it will be a long road to full recovery for him. His family wishes to thank all those who have reached out and showed their support.” ..🙏🙏
Trying to find an aerobatics pilot named Okie. Used to fly from Arlington Airport Wa. 1940's hopped up 4 cyl to doubled hp. Plane famous for taking massive g's. Never will forget that ride. He was/is an ace. Would love to find him and thank him again for the ride of my life. Experience an 8 spin stall with a high g pullout... Terrifying.
From many years of watching airshows, i keep an informal mental list of those who have passed in action. It troubles me but the shear excellence of the effort compels me to keep watching. I have my limits though and I won't watch air racing, it's just too dangerous. I am fortunate to have never seen anything like this in person. I consider myself super lucky to have left the airshow before an acquaintance of mine got stuck in an inverted flat spin and rode his Taylorcraft to his death. The worst I've seen was a Corsair into the water, a gear up Mustang and a C-47 ground loop. That was enough.
I live in Bentonville, the Game Composites factory is here on our town airport. I’d seen this plane on her trial flights back when she came off the line. I’m guessing the higher elevation of Idaho compared to Arkansas or California had a role to play too. If he was used flying at lower elevations, where the wings get a better bite in the denser air, that probably explains why he waited so long to pull out. If he was at a lower elevation, he probably could’ve gotten away with pulling out that low and likely had done it multiple times. But when he tried it at higher elevation in the thinner air, the wings didn’t get enough bite to pull out like he was used to and he just pulled past his stall point…
if you ever find out how many spins he normally does maybe that will shed light - it seems like the last spin wasn’t a complete one perhaps a bit too late and realized he wouldn’t complete it - no one is superman and errors do happen - RIP and condolences to his family - thanks for the report Juan
When I was attempting flight on a hang glider in the 70's the hardest thing to overcome was the instinct to push put when landing. After many stalls induced by pushing out I forced myself to pull in and when in ground effect you felt safer knowing you could burn off your speed and stall close to the ground and flare to a bird landing.
Over the years I have seen many proficient pilots come to a tragic end. I remember Bob Hoover saying why do more than one turn in a spin. My condolences to the family and friends. 😞
I’ve seen a ton of fatal accident videos with airplanes hitting the surface. I appreciate you stopping immediately after the secondary stall. It’s obvious he wouldn’t make it but I didn’t need to see one more impact knowing he didn’t survive. Absolutely terrible loss to the aviation community as a whole. Thank you for the knowledge you share and being a class act.
Hate to see this. A spin/stall routine has taken quite a few of our talented aerobatic pilots. If you want the rush of flying closer to the sun than most do, risk of burning in comes with it. Flying, racing, motorcycles, etc, all fit that template. Godspeed Edon..... ✝️
This is just devastating. I wonder if maybe he blacked out or got disoriented for a few seconds, but regained consciousness too late. God Bless his family during this period. RIP, Don.
Edan was a good friend and a mentor. His signature blesses my logbook in more than one location. Taught me all I know about aerobatics and tailwheel flying. He was an exceptionally talented aviator, very safety focused, and understood the risks well. His mindset was one of safety first and no undue risks. He will be missed dearly by all that were blessed to know him and fly with him.
I’m sorry for the loss of your friend.
🙏🙏
@@zfunk9At least he didn't die of health issues from sitting at his desk. ✌️✌️
@@zfunk9 Anyone can speculate on the circumstances of an accident. It's easy to do. That said, being safety minded and proficient doesn't isolate you from the risks associated with this kind of flying. I encourage you, and all of us, to take a step back and wait for the lessons we will all learn from this unfortunate event. It's not fair to paint an opinion with limited data points.
Condolences to you.
My dad died doing an inverted flat spin in his Pitts Special. He crashed into a restaurant parking lot. He had flown airshows for several years and competed a lot in aerobatic competitions. He was the Unlimited Champion in the 1976 West Coast Aerobatic Championship. He was practicing that maneuver and for whatever reason, after starting to come out of the spin, popped back into the spin and couldn't recover in time.
I lost too many friends to this type of flying, and I quit before I became one of the RIP's. I just gave up motorcycles this spring at age 79, and yes, I still want to do both every time I walk past them in the garage. I'll stay in my sports car; it makes my wife happy." May God watch over his family.
I stopped using bikes after a lady ran into me, so no more Yamaha 500 SR (a lovely bike) and it took 8 years before I was back at work, after numerous operations (I stopped counting after ten)!
After a 30 year career as a pilot in the Royal Air Force I stopped flying once I'd left as I didn't fancy the airlines and my wife pointed out "The most dangerous part of an RAF pilot career is taking up GA flying once you've left". I looked back at the mates funerals I've attended and she has a point!
Man I gave up my street bikes at 27, probably wouldn’t be typing this comment had I not hung up the keys .
SAME HERE! I miss my bikes and my planes. Getting old just sucks!
Get rid of those motorcycles. I waited too long.
The one thing I have learned watching your channel is that I have no business being a pilot. Too many deadly factors to take into account at my age. Different aircraft have different tolerances. Altitude factors. Weather factors. Auto pilot, No auto pilot. Things you have to do pre-flight, post flight. It’s too much. Love your channel.
I agree 100 percent
Too many opportunities for too many things to go wrong
The holes in the swiss cheese are always waiting to line up
Agreed. Juan's videos are a great way of learning about and understanding the risks. We can (and should) apply the same kind of thinking to other dangerous activities like riding a motorcycle or driving a car. Are you really in the right frame of mind and capable of doing it safely? I've flown gliders in the past and would love to do so again, but I know that right now I don't have the spare mental capacity to be able to do something so demanding.
Me too bro. Pay the airlines to do it and enjoy the ride
If anybody knew the risks of flying before starting flight school they'd never do it.
It's great to see someone actually admit that aviation is not right for them! There are far too many "commercial" pilots who have no business being in the cockpit.
Pretty sure this guy was the instructor I took my first flight in a Pitts with before buying my S2-B back in 1996. RIP Edan.
So sorry
1996?? I think Edan is about 38 years old at his passing.... so he was 10 years old and your Pitts flight Instructor? I doubt that.
@@johnodea3898video says he was 53 and not 38. That would make him 26 in 1996.
@@johnodea3898please don't become a mathematician or detective.
You would fail at that also.
@@johnodea3898 53 years old at the time of the incident according to the audio, with 35 years flying experience
Sad one. Great debriefing.
Damn that’s a tough one. Juan there’s no one better than you to break down what happened and explain in detail what the audience is looking at in the video. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends 🙏🏻😔
RIP. Condolences to all family and friends
I wonder how much the high density altitude played a part in accelerating his descent, making the maneuver take more altitude than normal (given the higher true airspeed and fall rate through the atmosphere). If he was practicing a maneuver down to 100' or so feet off the deck, this flat spin could've easily consumed the normally safe buffer built into the recovery height. It's worth noting also that the high performance wing design on the GB-1 is built to increase maneuverability which always happens at the sacrifice of stability and "polite" stall characteristics. Aerobatics is always shooting through several holes of the Swiss Cheese as a matter of practice, but you need a slice or two to keep you alive - in this case, clearly he found the last couple holes.
That's a good point and certainly plausible, but as Juan said, he was highly experienced flying in HDA, generally, and over this practice area, specifically. But anything's possible. As you say, it just takes one time finding those last couple of holes.
Could be, but as Juan said, he’s familiar with the aircraft and this location, and that shouldn’t have been much of a surprise. We’ve got a box nearby in Warrenton where my friend practices constantly in the off season.
Perhaps if it was a new airshow venue on an extremely hot day with unfamiliar terrain cues to go off of during the routine, but that just doesn’t sound like the case here.
I've witnessed a few air show accidents over the years. There are a number of videos on UA-cam as well. As Juan said, this is an unforgiving type of flying.
The worst part for me is it looked like he had control and was gonna come out of it fine, then he stalled it again. Really sad.
could be as simple as simple as he miss judged or miss counting how many turns he did and pulled out of it one too late. maybe got ahead of himself and was thinking about the next maneuver. who knows, things happen.
I am shocked and brokenhearted. Edan was my friend and an outstanding acro pilot. He checked me out in the S-2B in the mid 90's. We reconnected to fly his Extra just before he purchased the GameBird. My prayers go out to his family.
😢💔🙏
May God comfort his family. My sincerest condolences.
This happened in my town. So incredibly sad. My husband had seen him flying around doing maneuvers right before it happened. RIP
I’m a Casper kid, you live in a gorgeous part of the state.
@@tomcoryell which town?
Your explanation into this tragic accident is both respectful and complete! Flying is no joke! Thanks
While it's nice that the airframe can withstand 10gs, anything over 2gs in either direction requires physical fitness.
Agreed!
I live down the road from the Gamebird manufacturing facility and know a couple of the guys that work on these. I’m not a pilot but it seems a hell of a deal for what you get out of this aircraft. Godspeed to this pilot and his family and friends. I’m sure that the Gamebird family is mourning as well.
Tragic...😔🙏
Your points well taken, Juan...as the late, great Chuck Yeager said, there are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots...
Chuck and Juan were friends.
Wow. No old bold pilots. I used to watch air shows but they are so nerve wracking. So sad.
Oh my god, I met this guy, he was an incredibly chill dude.
He was our neighbor in ID. Great guy.
Density altitude will get you………so sorry to hear this. I was helping a good friend many years ago doing an airshow in Lubbock Texas one hot afternoon. He did a flat inverted spin in his Waco and we were very concerned when he went just one extra rotation before starting his recovery! We just knew he was going to knock the gear off of the plane but amazingly he missed the ground by mere inches. When he pulled pack into the pits I walked over to the plane and he told me “I forgot about the density altitude out here in West Texas”……I just commented “yes I noticed”.
I was elated the first time my CFI (RIP, Lou Fields) released me to do aerobatics on my own in the Citabria and went out to the designated area north of Mt Diablo and had a good old time doing all the maneuvers Lou taught me to do and when I came back, he said "Did you practice spins?" and I said "Sure did," and when he said "How many turns?" and I said "Thirteen," he did a literal spit-take with his coffee and exploded with "Jesus Christ, the Citabria is certificated for SIX. Haven't you ever heard of a flat spin?"
I flew the Citabria for spins while getting my CFI, and for spin potion of the check ride. What a great airplane!
Roger that! I often joked that I did not fly the Citabria but the Citabria flew me which was remarkably close to the truth.
@@dewilderdbetter I had a good instructor. It was the only spinnable aircraft the school had. He said I needed to at least appear competent in the basics for the evaluator, even if we just went up to do two spins for the check ride. So I had a motivating factor too.
Sad set of circumstances. Great coverage as usual. Thanks for the information.
RIP Don! A truly gifted pilot and performer.
That flat lake water can really mess w/your depth perception.
I think it's possible he forced that second accelerated stall thinking he was a lot closer to the water than he actually was.
His recovery looked doable to me until that second stall. Just Sayin'.
Yeah, the curve looked like enough from this angle. I think Juan is right on the money with the startle -> panic reaction of pulling maximum elevator.
I believe that. When I was learning to fly I had a hard time landing, I mean learning to land on a gigantic runway. My instructor took me to a little grass strip and I had it down well, right away
Great point!
I've heard that about glassy smooth water. What about white capping rough water such as this?
@@branchandfoundry560 better, but still a bit deceptive.
o ha e a pitts s1 that has been hanging in my hanger for about 40 years. i took aerobatcic lewssons many many years ago from art schol. he told me do not ever think you are great or even good. and never get over confident in your abilities. the plane will kick your ass everytime. i have lost several friends over the years practicing aero batics lost a close friend in merced calif when his pitts top wing came off. his name was dr sherm cooper. a very close family friend. i saw it happen , he was told that the plane was getting too old to put it thru what he was doing he had a new one being built but he had to go one last time. well it was his last time. still miss him to this day
We can hear the sadness in your voice . This was a tough one to watch and listen to
Looking at the water white capping, looks like the winds were up pretty good too! RIP! Sad! 🙏😪 Your right about the longer you stay in this type of airshow flying, your chances for an accident greatly increase! Best example of this would be the French Connection, those two had been performing over 30 years, had a mid air practicing!
Eventually it comes down to the "Law of Averages" where when you do anything enough times, you'll find the anomaly.
I too noticed the water conditions and perhaps a downwind recovery was partly at fault here.
Thank you for these analyses. We lost a friend about 25 years ago in southeast Idaho practicing his air show routine at low altitude.
A great and trusted annalize of a very difficult subject. You voice detailed your inner thoughts.
What makes aerobatic flat spins impressive, is also what makes them deadly. My condolences to family and friends.
Look like he might have pulled out in time if he hadn't stall it. The knife's edge is thin indeed.
Rest in Peace Sir
I think so too. Maybe just a little less pull at the end and he escapes with his life.
Altitude is life. Why fly close to the knife's edge? Spins and flat spins are notorious pilot-killers. TAKE THE TIME TO CLIMB is my motto as a CFI.
What is trippy is that hours prior to the accident I was watching these people take their privately owned f5 jets up in alpine Wyoming to do their morning flight. I talked with this gentleman while the pilots were getting ready and when we came back to watch them do their evening flight my family asked around if the jets were going up and they told us that this guy crashed earlier it’s crazy how much of a impact some people can have in such a short time. I also found out he lived right by my area in LA
Great report Juan, we can always count on you for the latest aviation news. Never forget your explanation of how it takes Av gas to carry more than you need. ✈️
Always a great and sobering education watching Blancolirio. Condolences to the family.
Air Show related accidents have claimed some of our finest pilots............RIP friend.
People into this kind of thing don't like to hear it but "Air show" is really just a euphemism for "Watch me do these stupid, risky maneuvers on purpose".
@@Taladar2003you could say the same about drag racing, certain water sports, and many other hobbies/sports. Most things that are cool to watch aren’t very safe for the person involved.
@@Taladar2003 as an old pilot, I tend to agree with you. But the freedom to take risks is freedom many enjoy
@@Taladar2003Which is still their choice.
I scared my self in a Citabria (in 1970) practicing loops when the greenhouse (clear plexiglass top of the fuselage) broke away. The turbulence across the tail was so violent I could only slow the descent to 700 FPM. and keep the tail vibrations low. I got the airplane on the ground safely. The greenhouse had been installed incorrectly. The fuselage tubing just forward of the horizontal stabilizer was all full of cracks. The airplane was repaired but I never performed aerobatics again. I went on to a career with the airlines flying gentle turns, climbs and descents.
Very sad loss for the community. I’m just starting out in a Pitts S2B.
Gamebird is an amazing machine! Really interested in this investigation with such an experienced pilot and capable aircraft.
Blue skies and tailwinds.
Please fly within your limits, don't risk your life to impress a crowd and altitude is life. Wishing you a very successful adventure in your S2B.
As a GA pilot and builder of 3 Experimental aircraft... I gave it up. I've lost the most friends due to aircraft accidents, motorcycle accidents, suicide and car accidents... in that order. Also sold the street bikes and now ride a dual sport off road.
No thanks I’ll stay at home and on the ground you guys I respect you I’m actually Air Force vet but you can’t get me off the ground anymore✊🇺🇸
As my instructor once told me: “Watch your altitude or you’ll get a mouthful of dirt before you can chirp”
If you're in a dive or cfit, yeah. But otherwise for forced landings you have some time to fly the plane all or part of the way through the crash, increasing survival odds.
I live in Alpine and I was hoping you'd cover this incident because the local news has been somewhat lackluster in its reporting. Thanks for doing what you do.
This plane was built at my local airport in Bentonville, Arkansas. Edan, I heard was a great guy. he had a beautiful plane I’ve seen fly around before he took it to where he lived. RIP.
Living on the edge too often results in a fatal situation ! There are all types of aviators !Myself and many others are just happy to move people safely from point A to B ! Thanx Juan for your reporting . Im sure pilots are learning from your work here !
So sorry, what a loss. condolences from ireland.
Sorry to see, and hear about such a solid pilot crashing line this. Thanks Juan for breaking down what likely happened.
It is a knife edge to dance on in Aerobatics
For a Lycoming engine powered aircraft the upright flat spin can only be done with full-left rudder, full aft and right stick combined with full power. The gyroscopic and precession effects of the propeller combine to raise the nose to an almost level attitude while the aircraft continues to spin. The recovery is done by first reducing power, neutralizing the control stick (and maybe some in-spin aileron) and applying opposite-spin rudder, which is this case is right rudder. In the video we can clearly see when the pilot commanded the recovery and then quickly entered a right hand spin which is consistent with the recovery procedure. However, the lack of depth perception (water makes you think you're much lower than you actually are) induced an abrupt pull, with the aircraft reaching its critical angle of attack, and a secondary stall-spin to the right at very low altitude. Sad to see. Be careful when doing low level aerobatics over water. All it takes is one mistake.
Yuuu
Great info…thx
No Gamebird for me but I once owned a Cessna 152 aircraft with an Avco Lycoming engine. 152 NOT an aerobatic airplane but I did do stalls an what was approved for that aircraft
Living on the edge, with no safety margin, often has this result. Flying is all about mitigating risk, these aerobatic pilots knowingly fly into risk. Like the famous Top Gun Viper said, if you fly jets long enough, it’s bound to happen. Condolences to his friends and family, seems like a great guy.
I was told by the CFI who did my spin training in a GCBC that he knew of a guy who also got into a spin in a 182 with an STC for one of those beefy four blade props. Nose was pointed all the way down with zero power but he was never able to recover. Turns out that beefy windmilling prop was blocking the airflow from reaching the elevator and therefore not allowing the nose to be raised. All it would have taken was a touch of power.
Except for the increased torque from that big paddle out there, as that can exacerbate a spin IF it was how got into the spin.
Exactly. It’s the same as a windmilling prop on a multiengine blocking the air over the wing. We’ve proven this very fact with an Extra 300L. Point it vertical on the downline, idle engine, and you can barely pull hard before feeling the onset of stall/buffet. Bump in either a zero-thrust setting or a bit of power (accelerated slipstream) and you can G the hell out of the plane pulling out.
2) Water is a terrible reference to do low-level air work over. It’s very difficult to judge altitude over… ask any pilot with a seaplane rating.
3) We’ll never know, but this could have been caused by something as simple as an improperly set altimeter. Aerobatic pilots set the altimeter to zero (or some even set neg 50feet so 0’ indicated is 50’agl) when on the ground prior to departure. All your maneuvers should have a min entry altitude and recovery altitude. If the altimeter wasn’t set/zeroed out, the actual entry altitude could have in reality been too low, along with the actual recovery altitude…. this could easily be the outcome of that error.
So sorry for the loss. I really wish people wouldn't push the envelope too far ... because it is just simply sad when lives are lost. I have been to many airshows, but I have recently decided not to attend them anymore because they are simply a little more risky than I care to chance. Yes, the highways are terribly terribly dangerous, but that is something that we do have to put up with in order to get around. He was a good looking man, I'm sure intelligent as well, and I know will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Always great takes and input. Aviation will always be my first love. From flying king airs and 414s w my dad to fighters in the AF. But it is unforgiving. Pilots have a special bond. When we lose one it’s terribly sad. However, he was doing what he loved! God has him now. RIP… would have loved to have met you.
Sorry to see and hear of this incident. One roll too many. I've seen it so many times before. Same as the old pilot last month. Good report Juan Browne
A green GB-1 performed at Reno 2 or 3 years ago was impressive. Condolences.
Very sad to see this. Having watched many aerobatic shows over the years it is a stark reminder that there can be a price to pay for that astonishing display of pilot skills. RIP.
Thank you for the breakdown, sad to see such a loss
Sadly, I was there, and watched him go in. R. I. P.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with Edan, his family, and his friends. I was really looking forward to seeing him fly with airshow performer Sammy Mason at the Wings over Camarillo Airshow this year and talking to him and Sammy as well. Blue skies and tailwinds Edan, you will be missed 😭🙏🏻🕊️✈️
Thanks Juan for your sobering take on pushing the boundaries.
Saw a very similar accident in 1997, San Marcos, TX. Pilot Jim Kincaid was killed in a Pitts. Just a little low on airspeed, or a split second late in reacting… or pulling too hard as in this case. The speed with which that thing flipped is terrifying. No chance. Truly a business for the brave. RIP.
I live in NWA and the GB1s fly around all the time. I had one takeoff behind me as we departed KVBT R18 in a Cessna and this thing was GONE! It was so loud we could still hear it idling from inside our Cessna.
I live in NWA too
The thrill and challenge of these maneuvers also carry great risk in such a way that even when a virtual aerobatic expert does them dozens of times, each maneuver likely carries variability that produces a different and potentially devastating result. This thrill and challenge of this art is what life is about for many like Edan. He clearly lived a thrilling life and was doing something he loved in his passing. Although very sad, when viewed in context, he died in the glory of his passion. If we all are so lucky in the end, then God has blessed us. RIP aviator, may peace be with you, your family and friends.
Your’s are sensitive, technically astute, experienced perspectives-from the viewpoint of an enthusiastic GA and commercial pilot-respectful of regulator and investigator roles. Thanks JB.
I the past as a UK biker with many trips to watch the TT racing on the isle of Mann / it’s the same risk rolling the dice ..Thanks for your channel I have been a follower since your CB500 rally raid conversion.I then did mine and RTW trip followed over a year including 10,000 miles in the USA .Thanks again
I have always marvelled at watching highly skilled operators of machinery. Demonstrating expert skills and mastery , with extremes of operation, and expert manoeuvres .
I abhor when any activity is taken to such an extreme that someone looses their lives for thrills.
I’m not suggesting that other peoples activities should be restricted . North America Aviation has an outstanding record of implementing rules for safe operation.
I just don’t want to watch any activity where the error tolerance is so small that a fatality can occur at anytime.
I don’t want to see it, and get no thrill or pleasure from death defying stunts.
Simply my feeling about another needless fatality.
Some of these guys would do this for fun without a single onlooker, but I completely agree about the risk. I always think to myself "it's not worth it" when I see one of these routines.
Great report as always Juan. Very sad story.
As always, great explanation of what transpired! RIP to the pilot.
Well, I've done this several times, can't imagine a panic or anticipating a recovery before it happens.
Sad situation. I saw Billy Whitehurst do a successful continuous 13 turn inverted spin in the 80's at Bolivar, TN. Pictures to prove it.
My son-in-law did his spin training for his instructor's certificate in a GB-1. He sent me video from the front seat and it's awesome. The power-to-weight ratio is as good as the large scale RC aerobatic planes I've seen, it will hang on the prop and accelerate straight up.
You are exaggerating a little bit,the GB-1 has excellent performance for what it is,but it is simply too heavy to hover vertically like a model airplane
@@Pennypincher-ue9ux Have you seen one fly? With a solo pilot it will hover. Empty weight is only 1290 pounds, gross weight is 2200. Maybe I exaggerated a bit on accelerating straight up.
Condolences to his family. I've been on that lake many times. Beautiful area.
Great debriefing. Thank you for posting.
Sad ending to a good man’s life. Wishing his family and friends the best in their time of mourning.
this happened to a friend of mine in the 80s, it was a test flight just outside of Miramar, he went into a flat spin in the middle of the ocean
I‘ve seen something almost similar with a Pitts, just too low, no stall. Hit the water hard and it was a matter of three seconds until the remains were all sub. RIBs with rescue swimmers were out there so quick they managed to rescue the unconscious pilot from the drowning plane. Lake St. Wolfgang, Austria, around 2005….
Sorry for you to have to report on this one mr.juan, but thanks for helping your brothers and sisters understand the physics, as far as living on the edge goes, l have to say I can understand that too, RIP Mr. Evan, and thanks again Mr
Juan.
Man thats heartbreaking. May he rest in airplane paradise
This is a really sad one, but incredible debrief as always.
Edan gave a great presentation about his aerobatics and the new Game-Bird here at our local EAA chapter over a year ago here in Sandpoint, Idaho. What a great loss for aviation.
This feels a lot like he had the same "was that 4 or 5 spins" thought, and in the time it took to consider it, he had dropped far enough that the lake was surprisingly close, and that surprized caused the yank on the controls you talk about. He was lower than he intended, but i think that he could have made it out with some discomfort except for that one split second. really goes to show just how dangerous sport flying can get
Very nice job as usual Juan of explaining what happened and also being respectful of those involved. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 On another note, there was a midair collision of 2 crop dusters here in Arco, ID at the end of June (the 24th I think) one fatality on scene and the other taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries ( haven’t seen an update of his condition). I was just wondering if you are going to do a video of this accident also as I’m really hoping you will. Thanks for all you do for aviation, love your channel!!
Need more info on that one.
.. "East Idaho NEWS" .. 23-July-2024 .. posted an NTSB-Report on the Crop-Dusters' Crash .. along with a brief Medical Update by the Owner of the Crop-Dusting Company, on the "still recovering pilot" ..🙏🙏..
The following is a statement from Brandon Visser, the owner of Visser Ag.
“The pilot from the double plane cropdusting accident on June 20, 2024 is improving daily. He suffered significant injuries to his lower body because of the force of the accident. Both legs had multiple breaks from a broken ankle on one leg to a broken knee on the other. He fractured his pelvis and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is making progress everyday but it will be a long road to full recovery for him. His family wishes to thank all those who have reached out and showed their support.” ..🙏🙏
Thanks for your report, RB, Nova Scotia.
Trying to find an aerobatics pilot named Okie. Used to fly from Arlington Airport Wa. 1940's hopped up 4 cyl to doubled hp.
Plane famous for taking massive g's.
Never will forget that ride.
He was/is an ace.
Would love to find him and thank him again for the ride of my life.
Experience an 8 spin stall with a high g pullout...
Terrifying.
RIP your wings are folded .condolences to your family and friends
It would be a good idea to discuss the demanding stall characteristics of laminar flow or semi LF wings.
RIP Edan.
Even the best can have judgement failures.
Thx Juan
How tragic! It sounds like he was very well liked and greatly admired by countless people.
So sad!😢 my sincere condolences to his family and friends
From many years of watching airshows, i keep an informal mental list of those who have passed in action. It troubles me but the shear excellence of the effort compels me to keep watching. I have my limits though and I won't watch air racing, it's just too dangerous. I am fortunate to have never seen anything like this in person. I consider myself super lucky to have left the airshow before an acquaintance of mine got stuck in an inverted flat spin and rode his Taylorcraft to his death. The worst I've seen was a Corsair into the water, a gear up Mustang and a C-47 ground loop. That was enough.
The sky and the sea are not so much dangerous as they are unforgiving of any mistakes.
In competition aerobatics there is a vertical downline after the spin. This adds a useful safety margin.
I live in Bentonville, the Game Composites factory is here on our town airport. I’d seen this plane on her trial flights back when she came off the line. I’m guessing the higher elevation of Idaho compared to Arkansas or California had a role to play too. If he was used flying at lower elevations, where the wings get a better bite in the denser air, that probably explains why he waited so long to pull out. If he was at a lower elevation, he probably could’ve gotten away with pulling out that low and likely had done it multiple times. But when he tried it at higher elevation in the thinner air, the wings didn’t get enough bite to pull out like he was used to and he just pulled past his stall point…
Thank you Juan. As always, great explanation 🎸
RIP Don
Edan.
if you ever find out how many spins he normally does maybe that will shed light - it seems like the last spin wasn’t a complete one perhaps a bit too late and realized he wouldn’t complete it - no one is superman and errors do happen - RIP and condolences to his family - thanks for the report Juan
When I was attempting flight on a hang glider in the 70's the hardest thing to overcome was the instinct to push put when landing. After many stalls induced by pushing out I forced myself to pull in and when in ground effect you felt safer knowing you could burn off your speed and stall close to the ground and flare to a bird landing.
Over the years I have seen many proficient pilots come to a tragic end. I remember Bob Hoover saying why do more than one turn in a spin. My condolences to the family and friends. 😞
I’ve seen a ton of fatal accident videos with airplanes hitting the surface. I appreciate you stopping immediately after the secondary stall. It’s obvious he wouldn’t make it but I didn’t need to see one more impact knowing he didn’t survive. Absolutely terrible loss to the aviation community as a whole.
Thank you for the knowledge you share and being a class act.
Sad to see a talented Aerobatics pilot lose his life. My condolences to his family.
Very tragic. Condolences to his family and friends.
Hate to see this. A spin/stall routine has taken quite a few of our talented aerobatic pilots. If you want the rush of flying closer to the sun than most do, risk of burning in comes with it. Flying, racing, motorcycles, etc, all fit that template. Godspeed Edon..... ✝️
Very sad. Condolences to the family and friends.
This is just devastating. I wonder if maybe he blacked out or got disoriented for a few seconds, but regained consciousness too late. God Bless his family during this period. RIP, Don.
Great breakdown as usual, sounds like this guy was one of a kind, my condolences to the families. RIP
Peace & Best Wishes Juan. RIP Edan