Pilot Debrief

AERO VODOCHODY L39C near Rainbow City, AL — 2012-01-21

Final reportERA12FA149
Sign in to save
Date
2012-01-21
Location
Rainbow City, AL, USA
Airport
GAD
Aircraft
AERO VODOCHODY L39C
Registration
N16RZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

An in-flight loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot radioed an air traffic controller and obtained an instrument flight rules clearance while on the ground. The pilot read back the clearance and was informed that he was released for departure and to switch to advisory frequency. There was no further radio contact between air traffic controllers and the pilot, and the airplane was never radar identified. The base of the radar coverage at the airport is 4,000 feet. Another pilot, who was on the ground at the airport waiting to depart, informed the controller that he watched the flight depart and heard a pretty loud boom shortly afterward. A postcrash fire ensued. The ceiling was 300 feet overcast, with visibility 1 mile in mist. The main wreckage was located about 1.1 miles south-southwest of the airport in a swampy wooded area. Postcrash examination revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have attempted takeoff in IFR conditions below weather minimums.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 46 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents46

Related mishaps