Aviation

NTSB: Anchorage pilot’s poor judgment caused fatal 2016 crash in Oregon air show

BEND, Ore. – The National Transportation Safety Board says an Anchorage pilot killed in a crash at a central Oregon air show two summers ago used poor judgment and calculations when performing a low-altitude loop.

The board's report, obtained by The Bulletin newspaper, says biplane pilot Marcus Paine didn't account for "high density altitude conditions," which resulted in decreased engine power and a reduced rate the plane was able to climb in the air.

Though Paine successfully completed the stunt the day before the Aug. 27 crash, another pilot told investigators that Paine had described the maneuver as "sketchy" and a "complete crapshoot."

The biplane crashed at the airport in Madras, Oregon. There was no evidence of mechanical failure.

The 61-year-old Paine had been a pilot for more than 20 years. A toxicology report found no drugs in his system.

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