Hornet crash caused by incorrectly executed aerobatic maneuver

A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet fighter jet crashed during an air show rehearsal in Rovaniemi last May after the pilot performed a “barrel roll” maneuver incorrectly, according to an official investigation report released by the Air Force.

The aircraft struck the ground near the runway and was destroyed, though the pilot ejected safely. Investigators identified the immediate cause as the improper execution of the aerobatic figure, which involves rolling the aircraft 360 degrees around its longitudinal axis while maintaining horizontal flight.

The probe also uncovered organizational shortcomings in the supervision, planning, and risk management of air display operations. The investigation team proposed 30 corrective measures, including refresher training on proper execution of the barrel roll and altitude measurement errors in different flight modes.

Additional recommendations include establishing a dedicated supervisor training program for air displays, assigning permanent instructors for display pilots, and defining criteria for aborting display maneuvers. Some proposals have already been implemented, the Air Force stated.

Following the accident, rescue operations and the investigation revealed the need to update guidelines for protection against carbon fiber dust and handling of exposed materials. A new directive has since been published.