On October 29, 2022, a Bearhawk Patrol airplane, a kit-built aircraft designed for individuals to assemble themselves, crashed in the skies over Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. The accident took the lives of both occupants: pilot Ronald Snyder, 76, from Bernville, and passenger Michael Bowen, 59, from Jonestown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded in its final report, released in mid-April 2024 that the crash was likely caused by Snyder accidentally falling from the plane after unlatching his seatbelt, intending to inspect or address an issue with the aircraft’s tail. The two-seater plane nosedived onto a farm, landing just 100 feet away from children on a hayride after the pilot was somehow ejected while flying.
Earlier on the day of the crash, Snyder had discussed with a friend at Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport a persistent rigging problem that caused the aircraft to kick laterally during turns. After sharing his concerns, he allowed the friend to fly the airplane, who also noticed the odd yawing movements. Snyder mentioned his plans to rectify this issue later in the winter, reflecting a delay that would have fatal consequences.
According to witnesses, moments before the crash, the airplane exhibited alarming behavior; it rolled and then bucked, with its nose dipping down initially before pitching up sharply. During these erratic maneuvers, Snyder was seen exiting the aircraft, which was followed by him impacting the plane’s tail, leading to the irreversible descent.
Both Snyder and Bowen died from multiple traumatic injuries, and their deaths were ruled accidental. Investigations revealed that although Snyder had antidepressants and cholesterol medication in his system, these were not considered factors in the crash. This detail highlights the complexity of factors that can play into aviation accidents, where even minor distractions or misjudgments can have dire outcomes.
The Bearhawk Patrol plane enjoys a strong reputation among aviation enthusiasts for its versatility and performance, particularly in rugged environments. However, the quality and safety of these planes can vary significantly due to factors such as the builder’s skill level, the thoroughness of ongoing maintenance, and the pilot’s experience. Additionally, regulatory standards for experimental aircraft are different and sometimes less stringent than those for commercial planes, which can pose additional risks. These elements emphasize the importance of meticulous construction, regular maintenance, skilled piloting, and strict adherence to safety protocols in ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft.
