A preliminary report into the death of a stunt pilot in Co Kerry last month has found that the engine of his home-built plane appeared to have failed as he completed his final trademark manoeuvre before flying home.
John Keane (57), of Clonlara, Co Clare, died when his single-engine Stinson Skybolt, an aircraft designed for aerobatics, crashed into farmland north of Ardfert on July 29th.
He had been taking part in an air display as part of the Ardfert summer festival.
Mr Keane was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which came down in a field between the villages of Ardfert and Causeway at about 4.30pm.
He was on his way back to Coonagh airfield in Co Limerick when the plane crashed.
The report, from the Department of Transport's air-accident investigation unit, outlined Mr Keane's last movements after completing his aerobatics display at Ardfert.
It said that he flew to the nearby Ardfert airfield, where he landed and had a cup of tea.
He spoke with colleagues from the Coonagh Flying Club in Limerick and was on the ground for about 20 minutes before departing for Coonagh airfield.
"He indicated, when asked by his friends, that he would perform a few aerobatic manoeuvres on his departure," the report said.
"This would not be unusual for such an experienced aerobatics pilot."
It said that following take-off Mr Keane performed a roll over the airfield along the axis of the runway, returning to perform a short inverted fly-past along the same axis and then complete the roll to straight and level flight.
"In what appears to have been the pilot's trademark departure manoeuvre, he initiated a climbing roll to the right across the airfield.
"It was during this manoeuvre that all witnesses on the ground heard the engine 'bang' or 'splutter', followed by silence, while the aircraft was banking in the roll," the report said.
It said it appeared that Mr Keane had recovered his wings to level before crashing into a hedge-covered stone wall in a nearby field.
Witnesses ran to the plane and the emergency services were called. However, Mr Keane was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation, led by Frank Russell, is continuing.
Only weeks before the crash Mr Keane had completed a flight from Naples to Limerick to mark the 60th anniversary of his local airfield.
Mr Keane is survived by his wife, Ann, and their three children, Paul, Aishling and Suzanne.
