Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 421B near Fort Worth, TX — 2012-09-05

Final reportCEN12FA606
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Date
2012-09-05
Location
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Airport
FWS
Aircraft
CESSNA 421B
Registration
N69924
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control on takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident were the unlatched nose cargo door, the pilot’s diverted attention, and the pilot's mental ability to handle the emergency situation.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was distracted by the nose cargo door popping open during takeoff; the airplane stalled and collided with trees off the end of the runway. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane or engines and that he was fixated on the cargo door and lost control of the airplane. He also said that due to stress, he was not mentally prepared to handle the emergency situation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured cargo door was locked before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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