Location: Cleburne, Texas
Accident Number: CEN21FA290
Date and Time: June 24, 2021, 17:14 Local
Registration: N9261L
Aircraft: American Aviation AA-1A
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On June 24, 2021, at 1714 central daylight time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, N9261L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight track data showed that the airplane departed Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT), Cleburne, Texas, about 1658 and flew south then northeast toward Keene, Texas. After the airplane made a tight left 360° turn over Keene, it proceeded west and overflew CPT. The airplane continued west at an altitude about 2,600 ft msl for another 3 miles. During the last 10 seconds of the recorded data, the flight track showed a hard right turn, immediately followed by a left spiraling descent toward the ground (see figure). There were no recorded air traffic control communications during the flight.
A witness, who was located about 1/2 mile south of the accident site, stated that he observed the airplane “going straight down,” but he did not see it impact the ground. An in-flight video from the passenger’s cell phone was uploaded to his social media account. The video started by showing the airplane’s left wing, then panned right to show the front of the cockpit, then showed the pilot in the right seat. The pilot had his left hand on the control yoke, a tablet connected to the yoke, and a cell phone in his right hand. The canopy was open about 8 to 10 inches. Based on the cockpit instruments, the airplane was about 1,960 ft above mean sea level (msl) and climbing about 400 to 500 ft per minute. The airspeed indicator showed about 100 to 105 knots. Based on the geographical landmarks, the video was recorded about 6 minutes after takeoff and 10 minutes before the accident, as the airplane was headed northeast toward Keene.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: Yes
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: March 18, 2020
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: June 1, 2020
Flight Time: (Estimated) 197.7 hours (Total, all aircraft), 140.1 hours (Total, this make and model), 133.8 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 36 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12.2 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Passenger Information
Certificate:
Age: 20, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Seat
Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: American Aviation
Registration: N9261L
Model/Series: AA-1A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: AA1A-0161
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: June 15, 2021 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 11.6 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: LYCOMING
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320-D3G
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 150 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
The accident airplane was equipped with a plexiglass and aluminum sliding canopy, which has inner tracks that slide on outer tracks with Teflon runners. The tracks allow the canopy to be slid forward and aft and provide access to the cabin. The left-side outer track features a placard that indicates the ½ open canopy point and states “130 MPH MAX WITH CANOPY ½ OPEN. NO FLIGHT WITH CANOPY FULL OPEN.”
A Grumman Pilot’s Association representative stated that the airplane would still fly with the canopy fully open, but there would be a significant increase in drag.
After the accident, the pilot’s father stated that the pilot flew with the canopy open when warm temperatures required additional airflow into the cockpit. If it was cold outside, then he did not open the canopy. The canopy was frequently opened while on the ground to get more airflow. The pilot would always manipulate the canopy by himself and did not request assistance from the passenger. The cockpit was small enough that the pilot could reach over and easily move the canopy by himself. The pilot liked to do this himself to make sure equal pressure was applied to both sides and the canopy would move smoothly. If there was unequal pressure applied, then the canopy could jam on one side. The pilot was reportedly always in control of manipulating the canopy and never appeared to have any issues with it moving backward inflight. The pilot’s father had noticed that the canopy would sometimes move forward during flight, and the pilot would have to adjust it aft as necessary. He would adjust the black screw knob lock to help keep the canopy in place.
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCPT,854 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 17:35 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 88°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 16 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Cleburne, TX (CPT)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cleburne, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 16:58 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Airport Information
Airport: CLEBURNE RGNL CPT
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 854 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.352429,-97.493799(est)
The airplane came to rest in a rural field and partially on a gravel road. The initial impact point was identified by an impression in the dirt, which contained red glass near the outboard tip consistent with the left wing. The empennage was distorted to the left and the accident site showed signs of minimal forward momentum. All major components of the airplane were found at the accident site with the main wreckage.
The sliding canopy frame had separated from the fuselage and was found on the forward right side, in front of the right wing; the plexiglass had shattered and was dispersed around the accident site. The left side of the canopy frame was bent inboard about 30 inches from the aft end. The left side canopy track was separated from the fuselage. It contained a screw knob lock, which was mostly unscrewed, or loosened. The lock was screwed through its full range with no anomalies noted.
The left rear fuselage, under the left rear window, contained impact witness marks and damage similar to the shape of the lower canopy frame and inner tracks. An exemplar AA-1A airplane was examined to compare to the accident airplane canopy damage and witness marks. When the canopy was positioned full aft, the frame and inner tracks aligned with the rear fuselage underneath the rear window and above the accent paint line. When the canopy was slightly opened, the inner tracks did not extend back to the rear fuselage. The were no other preimpact anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and sustained significant impact damage. The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange via two bolts. The propeller blades exhibited damage and scoring on the blade faces. One blade was bent aft about mid span with no leading edge damage. The other blade was mostly straight and exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches near the tip. Examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
The airplane was equipped with a JPI engine monitor, and data from the accident flight was extracted. During the accident flight between 1659 and 1709, the data appeared normal with no abnormalities. At 1709:40, the exhaust gas temperatures (EGT), cylinder head temperatures (CHT), oil pressure, engine rpm, manifold pressure, fuel flow, and horsepower all decreased slightly for about 40 seconds. The shock cool rate increased from 0°/min to 25°/min, then back to 0°/min after 48 seconds. This timeline corresponded to the flight track data where the airplane made a tight left 360° turn over Keene, Texas. At 1710:50, all parameters appeared to level off and were normal, albeit slightly lower than before the previous maneuver. At 1713:30, the data showed a significant reduction in engine power evidenced by a simultaneous rapid decrease in EGT, CHT, oil pressure, rpm, manifold pressure fuel flow, and horsepower. The shock cooling rate again rapidly increased from 0°/min to 42°/min. This timeline corresponded to the end of the flight track data where the airplane descended in a left spiral toward the ground.
Of interest was the manifold pressure data after 1713:30, which depicted a much lower barometric pressure, which was consistent with a closed throttle plate. Additionally, the fuel pressure value throughout the flight remained nominal. The engine data before 1713:30 was nominal.
Accident Number: CEN21FA290
Date & Time: June 24, 2021, 17:14 Local
Registration: N9261L
Aircraft: American Aviation AA-1A
Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On June 24, 2021 at 1714 central daylight time, an American Aviation AA-1A airplane, N9261L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Preliminary radar and ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT), about 1658 and proceeded south, then northeast toward Keene, Texas. After the airplane made one full circle over Keene, it proceeded west and overflew CPT. The airplane continued west about 2,600 ft mean sea level (msl) for another 3 miles. During the last 10 seconds of the recorded data, the flight track showed a hard right turn followed by a left descending spiral toward the ground.
A witness who was located about 1/2 mile south of the accident site, stated that he observed the airplane “going straight down,” but he did not see it impact the ground.
The airplane was located in a field next to a gravel road as seen in Figure 1.
All major components of the airplane were found at the accident site with the main wreckage.
The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and sustained significant impact damage. The propeller remined attached to the crankshaft flange via two bolts. The propeller blades exhibited damage and scoring on the blade faces. One blade was bent aft about mid span with no leading edge damage. The other blade was mostly straight and exhibited leading edge gouges and chordwise scratches near the tip. The sliding canopy frame was found separated from the fuselage and the plexiglass was fractured and scattered around the area.
An engine data monitor was retained for data extraction and analysis.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: American Aviation
Registration: N9261L
Model/Series: AA-1A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCPT,854 ft msl
Observation Time: 17:35 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 35°C /21°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 16 knots / , 170°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Cleburne, TX (CPT)
Destination: Cleburne, TX
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Passenger Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 32.352429,-97.493799 (est)
The two men killed in Thursday’s plane crash have been identified as Cleburne High School graduates.
Nick Duran, 20, and Felipe Lopez, 20, were the pilot and passenger in the plane.
Bono firefighters responded at 9:29 p.m. to reports of a plane down, Bono Fire Chief Ralph Vaquera said.
Vaquera said the plane — an American Aviation AA-1A owned by Duran — apparently went down earlier in the day but was not reported for several hours.
Bono firefighters traveled county roads 1123 and 1124 looking for the plane. A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper who was also helping in the search found the crashed plane near a private oil field road. The plane crashed about a mile from County Road 1123, Vaquera said.
Vaquera added that the plane sustained heavy damage but did not catch fire.
Duran was a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. He obtained his pilot’s license in 2020.
“The impact of losing Nick has been felt throughout our Academy,” USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Clark said. “He was our brother — a friend, teammate, and classmate — and will always be a part of USAFA. I am so proud of how our cadets have leaned on each other and honored Nick’s life.
“While words cannot lessen the loss felt by his family, we want to send our heartfelt condolences to Nick’s family and friends — you are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Duran played baseball for Cleburne High School from 2015-18. He was the 2018 All-Johnson County defensive player of the year and the 2018 District 9-5A defensive player of the year.
Lopez played soccer and participated in cross country and track for Cleburne High School from 2015-18. He was a two-time all-district and All-Johnson County selection in soccer and also a key part of the Yellow Jackets’ cross country program.
As a senior in 2018, Lopez served as a team captain for Yellow Jacket soccer, earning first-team all-district honors and first-team All-Johnson County recognition that season. Lopez helped Cleburne cross country win the 2017 district championship as he finished 14th overall at the district meet.
“Our teachers, coaches and administrators who had the opportunity to know Nick Duran and Felipe Lopez are deeply saddened by the loss of these two remarkable young men and Cleburne High School graduates of 2018,” Cleburne ISD Director of Community Relations Lisa Magers said. “Both competed for the Jackets as student athletes.
“It was wonderful to see Nick achieve his dream of continuing his baseball career at the college level — and not just any college — the US Air Force Academy. Nick was also an academic leader among his classmates, graduating in the Top Ten.
“We were so proud to see Felipe experience the international spotlight for his vocal talents, which were truly amazing. Whether in the classroom, on the cross country course or the soccer field, on the job — or on the stage — his work ethic and dedication to giving his best were always present.
“Those of us who knew Nick, Felipe — or both — remember students who were bright, polite and respectful, friendly and very generous with their smiles. Our thoughts and prayers for their families will continue.”
GoFundMe pages have been set up for both of the men. Duran’s, which was created by Alyssa Naused on behalf of Cadet Squadron 29, had raised almost $10,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
“Nick was passionate in all aspects of his life,” Naused said. “He worked ceaselessly towards earning his private pilot’s license and aspired above all to be an Air Force pilot upon graduation from USAFA. As dedicated as Nick was to his dreams, he was more passionate towards his commitment to those around him, especially his family.”
Naused said that Duran was described to be “the most positive cadet I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
“Nick was a brother, exuding constant joy and bearing an infectious smile, eager to share his love with everyone around him,” she said. “He cared for those around him in action and word, regardless of whether he knew them. He was a catcher for the Air Force Baseball Team where he impacted not just his friends, but every individual with whom he interacted.
“To describe Nick as inspiring would be an understatement; Nick was one of the best. It was easy to see how much the underclassmen of CS-29 looked up to and respected Nick. He consistently checked in with cadets who were struggling and used what he learned during his time as a cadet to help others be their best.”
Funds raised will be used to create a gift for Duran’s family, create a memorial case to be built at the squadron and go towards the CS-29 support fund.
Lopez was a talented singer who recently appeared on the Spanish musical competition “Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento.”
He began singing as a teenager, inspired by his dad, who also loved to sing and bought him a karaoke machine. He was multi-faceted, able to sing everything from opera and R&B to reggaeton and mariachi.
He won second and third place at La Gran Plaza’s annual singing contest.
Lopez’ GoFundMe was created by Edalia Aguilar to help with funeral expenses.
“Felipe, lovingly known as Pancho, graduated from Cleburne High School in 2018,” Aguilar said. “Felipe was as talented as he was kind. He played soccer and ran cross country for CHS, and was pursuing his lifelong dream of a career in music.
“In 2020, Felipe competed in several episodes of ‘Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento,’ a popular Spanish singing competition TV show.
“Felipe is deeply loved and missed by his family, his friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Lopez’ cross country coach, Alicia Johnson, said he was an amazing human being with a beautiful soul.
“Felipe was on the varsity cross country team, and qualified for regionals individually and helped lead his team to qualifying for regionals as a team,” she said. “He was naturally gifted in all he did and was an exceptionally gifted runner.
To donate, visit Duran’s page at gofund.me/578d03d0 or Lopez’ page at gofund.me/741b4554.
CLEBURNE, Texas -- An U.S. Air Force Academy cadet was one of two people killed in the crash of a small plane south of Fort Worth, Texas, this week, a military official said.
Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, said on Twitter that Nick Duran, a junior, died in the crash Thursday while home in Texas on leave.
“He was our brother — a friend, teammate, and classmate — and will always be a part of USAFA,” Clark said. “I am so proud of how our cadets have leaned on each other and honored Nick’s life.”
The Tarrant County medical examiner's office said Duran, who was 20, died of blunt force injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the wreckage of the Grumman American AA-1B with two people aboard was found Thursday near Cleburne after it had been declared missing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said two people were confirmed dead. DPS said the plane was located just west of Cleburne Regional Airport.
Cleburne is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Fort Worth.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident.
Air Force cadet Nick Duran died in the crash of a Grumman American AA-1B south of Fort Worth, Texas, on June 24, 2021.
