Pilot Debrief

AEROS LTD AEROS 2 near Albuquerque, NM — 2015-08-08

Final reportCEN15LA359
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Date
2015-08-08
Location
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Aircraft
AEROS LTD AEROS 2
Registration
N5982V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The ultralight airplane’s encounter with a downdraft in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a descent into trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that he and his pilot-rated passenger were flying the ultralight airplane through some canyons when they encountered a "downdraft" or mountain "rotor." Despite applying full power and placing the wing in a climb attitude, the airplane continued to descend, and it impacted trees.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying near the ridgeline to prevent encountering mountain rotor wind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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