CHAMBLEE, Ga. -- Just a week after a deadly air show crash at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report that collects many of the existing details on the crash.
However, the report is still devoid of an answer to the biggest question: What led to the tragic accident?
The crash that killed the experienced pilot, Greg Connell, happened during what authorities called a crossing maneuver.
"As the Pitts [aircraft] descended out of the loop, the wings rocked back and forth as the MX2 [other aircraft] approached from the opposite direction," the report states. "Immediately prior to the ground impact, the Pitts appeared to begin a level-off maneuver."
Unfortunately that maneuver was not enough to right the plane and save its pilot.
The aircraft crashed in the grass infield between runways 21L and 21R spreading across an area of about 500 feet.
Officials said that there was no sign that a parachute inside the cockpit was deployed.
An examination of the engine showed several parts still functional and has not been ruled part of the crash.
The FAA reports that just minutes after the crash, there were few clouds in the sky and visibility was 10 miles or more.
Surface winds were recorded at 17 knots (about 19 mph) with gusts up to 25 knots (about 28 mph).
