Pilot Debrief

JOHNSON DAVID EARL RENEGADE SPIRIT near Brunswick, GA — 2014-12-13

Final reportERA15LA075
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Date
2014-12-13
Location
Brunswick, GA, USA
Airport
SSI
Aircraft
JOHNSON DAVID EARL RENEGADE SPIRIT
Registration
N955R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to fly the airplane with known engine deficiencies and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control after takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot had owned the experimental amateur-built airplane for about 3 years but had never flown it. He had performed several hours of taxi and ground tests while troubleshooting the operation of the engine that he had installed in the airplane. On the day of the accident, the pilot told an acquaintance that he had been having trouble with the airplane's brakes and that the engine was idling too high. After adjusting the carburetor, engine operation seemed to have improved, and the pilot said that he might try flying the airplane. The acquaintance cautioned the pilot against doing so given the condition of the brakes and inconsistent engine operation; however, the pilot proceeded to the runway and departed. Two witnesses near the accident site saw the airplane in a left bank as though the pilot was attempting to return to the runway. One of the witnesses, who was a pilot, heard the engine lose power and saw the airplane descend in a manner consistent with an aerodynamic stall. Postaccident examination revealed that all flight controls were continuous from the cockpit to their respective control surfaces. The fuel lines to the engine were unobstructed. Examination of the engine revealed continuity throughout and established compression on all cylinders; however, no further examination of the engine or its accessories was performed, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. The airplane's descent and impact attitude were consistent with a loss of control due to an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall following a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have heeded witness advice against taking off with engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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