Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200 near Los Alamos, NM — 2013-12-08

Final reportCEN14FA077
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Date
2013-12-08
Location
Los Alamos, NM, USA
Airport
KLAM
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200
Registration
N80MF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering after takeoff in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were on a cross-country flight and stopped at an en route airport. After waiting for weather to improve, they took off to the west. A witness reported seeing the airplane depart the runway and then enter a steep left turn, before descending and impacting terrain. The airport directory noted that all landings are to the west, and all takeoffs to the east. A commuter pilot reported that the accident pilot asked him if east takeoffs and west landings were mandatory. The commuter pilot responded that he believed it was but that the commuter crew had permission from the airport manager to depart to the west, if needed. The commuter pilot added that if they departed to the west, they would make a turn before the terminal building. The automated weather reporting station, located on the field recorded about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind from 270 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 23 knots. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact abnormality with the engine or airframe.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to delay departure due to runway conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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