U-FITAQP: 22) AIRSHOW

American Champion 8KCAB | N157WB

Bayou La Batre, Alabama

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateDecember 13, 2025
  • Local time11:15 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherIMC
  • Phase of flightInitial Climb
  • People on board1
  • Fatalities1
  • Airport5R7

Accident Location

City, State
Bayou La Batre, Alabama
Latitude
30.449722
Longitude
-88.211944
Airport ID
5R7

Aircraft Info

N Number
N157WB
Make
American Champion
Model
8KCAB
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Jenista, John Christopher
Gender
Male
Age
58
Certification
Commercial Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
2nd Class Medical
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
IMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Initial Climb
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
1
PIC fatality
1
Total fatalities
1
NTSB travel
Unknown
AQP category
22) AIRSHOW →

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. Reports are varied, but apparently the accident pilot stopped at this airport to pick up a pilots emergency bailout rig after a repack. Unofficial reported attempted aileron roll and stall after taking off to the south. The crash site is approximately 100 yards south of the departure end of the runway. Fire and rescue first responders were able to stretch a hose to the accident site but there was no fire. Accident pilot was still wearing a pilots emergency parachute rig when first responders reached him.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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