Video courtesy of ThoseCrazyTexans
The pilot behind the controls during a daring airborne stunt seen in a YouTube video gone viral is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to local media reports.
Stunt pilot Jason Newburg is being probed for the high-speed low pass involving a land vehicle, which was captured by a person on the ground at Lancaster Regional Airport in Lancaster, Texas. It was soon after uploaded to YouTube, reports NBC 5.
Normal FAA rules forbid the low-altitude flying demonstrated in the video, especially when people are in harm's way. FAA regulations specifically state that "no person may operate an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another."
The FAA does, however, grant waivers for stunt pilots. A Lancaster city manager told NBC 5 that Newburg has a valid waiver for practicing daring maneuvers, but the FAA told the station their copy of Newburg's waiver carries a November 2012 expiration date.
"Even with a waiver, there a requirement that people on the ground not be endangered," FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford told NBC 5.
Newburg has defended the video, telling NBC 5 that "this was a structured shoot, and some people don't understand that."
"All of the people at the practice were briefed and were part of the crew," he continued.
Newburg, 43, is a veteran stunt pilot who often incorporates ground vehicles into his aerial acrobatics routine, as seen in videos of his past performances:
Video courtesy of MrJasperBulldogs
Video courtesy of PatrickStephens
In the clip most recently gone viral, Newburg is flying a Pitts Special, a biplane specifically designed for aerobatic stunt flying. Does the video show reckless behavior by a stunt pilot, or is Newburg in the clear? Share your thoughts in the comments.