Title: N EXPERIMENTAL BUTZBACH SMITH MINIPLANE DSA1 BIPLANE, N40DB, COLL
Report Date: 09/18
Plane Crash Problem: On September 15, 2003, at 1831 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Butzbach Smith Miniplane DSA1 biplane, N40DB, collided with the ground while maneuvering near Lake Wohlford Airport (PVT), Escondido, California. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area personal flight and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed from Lake Wohlford about 1825. The pilot succumbed to his injuries the day following the accident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident site. The debris field was approximately 150 square feet. The top wing of the biplane was sheared off and control continuity was unable to be established due to the damage sustained to the airplane.
The Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) interviewed a witness, who held a private pilot certificate and lived 1/4 mile behind the airport, via telephone. The witness stated that he was driving east on a road. The airplane was flying about 200 feet above ground level (agl), and fast, in an eastbound direction. It went out of view for about 10 seconds and then the witness saw it traveling in a westbound direction. The airplane went over the airport "too fast and not at a normal landing attitude." Over the runway, at 50 feet agl, the airplane did a barrel roll. The roll was quick and to the left. He did not see the impact but immediately after the barrel roll, a large cloud of dust was observed. The witness did not feel anything was mechanically wrong with the airplane.
The IIC also spoke with an acquaintance of the pilot. He stated that is was common for the pilot to do aerobatic maneuvers in his airplane. Usually, the pilot did the maneuvers at 400 feet agl.
See FAA Cause of plane crash
Back to Search
If you have been in a small plane crash or even a small jet crash, it is possible to see other similar plane crashes. Compare & contrast your plane crash with other crashes & get the plane crash information that you need. The FAA files reports on all plane crashes & the following reports are from the FAA.
Search Small Plane Crash Directory
Plane Crash Reports 2003 
Regional Resources