The tragic crash of an “experimental amateur-built” plane in rural Pennsylvania was caused by the pilot accidentally tumbling out of the aircraft mid-flight and hitting the tail, resulting in the loss of control of the aircraft and subsequent crash that killed both the pilot and his passenger. The two-seater Bearhawk Patrol plane came down nose-first on a farm near Hanover Township, narrowly missing children on a hayride, on October 29, 2022. The final results of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation were recently released, indicating that the pilot’s impact with the tail led to substantial damage and loss of control during flight.
Prior to the accident, the pilot, Ronald Snyder, had informed a friend about a rigging issue with the plane that caused lateral movement during turns, which he planned to address in the winter. The friend flew the plane briefly and noticed the same issue, prompting Snyder to plan to address it later. The plane departed from Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport en route to Lebanon County but encountered trouble after a few minutes in the air, leading to witnesses seeing the plane roll and pitch before crashing. Snyder was observed outside the aircraft by witnesses, impacting the tail and spiraling off before the plane descended to the ground.
The NTSB report speculated that Snyder may have unbuckled his seatbelt mid-flight to check the plane’s tail, potentially causing him to fall out or displace a flight control, leading to the abrupt movement that ejected him from the aircraft. The passenger, Michael Bowen, was found dead in the plane wreckage, while Snyder was discovered about 500 feet away. Both individuals died from multiple traumatic injuries, with their deaths being ruled accidental. Toxicology tests conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration found medication in the pilot’s system, but they were not believed to be factors in the crash.
The tragic incident highlighted the dangers of flying in experimental amateur-built aircraft and the importance of addressing any issues promptly to ensure safe flight. The loss of control that resulted from the pilot exiting the aircraft mid-flight serves as a cautionary tale for pilots to always prioritize safety and follow proper procedures while in the air. The investigation findings shed light on the sequence of events leading to the crash and the potential factors that contributed to the fatal outcome. Moving forward, lessons can be learned from this tragedy to prevent similar accidents in the future and improve aviation safety.
The community in Hanover Township was undoubtedly shaken by the sudden crash, which occurred in close proximity to where children were enjoying a hayride. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with aviation and the importance of ensuring the safety of both passengers and bystanders. The NTSB’s thorough investigation provided valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding the crash, allowing for a better understanding of what led to the tragic outcome. Ultimately, the findings of the investigation can help inform future safety measures and protocols to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future and protect lives in the air and on the ground.
