A Bearhawk Patrol aircraft, a self-assembled kit plane, crashed in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania on October 29, 2022, resulting in the death of both occupants. The victims were identified as the pilot, Ronald Snyder, 76, from Bernville, and his passenger, Michael Bowen, 59, from Jonestown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its final report in mid-April 2024, suggesting that the crash likely occurred after Snyder accidentally fell from the plane upon unlatching his seatbelt to inspect or fix an issue with the aircraft’s tail. Following his ejection, the two-seater plane plunged onto a farm, narrowly missing children on a hayride by just 100 feet.
Prior to the crash, Snyder had expressed concerns about a persistent rigging problem that caused the aircraft to sway sideways during turns to a friend at Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport in Pennsylvania. He allowed the friend to fly the plane, who also observed the unusual yawing motions. Despite his intention to address this issue later in the winter, the delay had deadly implications.
Witnesses stated that just before the crash, the airplane exhibited disturbing behavior; it rolled and bucked, with its nose initially dipping down and then sharply pitching up. During these erratic movements, Snyder was observed exiting the plane, which was followed by him hitting the plane’s tail, triggering the fatal descent.
Snyder and Bowen both succumbed to multiple traumatic injuries and their deaths were ruled accidental. Although Snyder had antidepressants and cholesterol medication in his system, the investigation determined these substances did not contribute to the crash.
The Bearhawk Patrol plane is popular among aviation enthusiasts for its versatility and performance, particularly in harsh conditions. However, the safety and quality of these planes can greatly vary due to factors such as the builder’s expertise, the rigor of ongoing maintenance, and the pilot’s experience. Furthermore, regulatory standards for experimental aircraft are different and often less strict than those for commercial planes, which can present additional risks. These factors highlight the need for precise construction, regular upkeep, competent piloting, and strict adherence to safety guidelines to ensure the aircraft’s safe usage.
