Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN T-6G near Perry, MI — 2012-05-28

Final reportCEN12LA324
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Date
2012-05-28
Location
Perry, MI, USA
Airport
54MI
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN T-6G
Registration
N3753G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude after takeoff, resulting in a collision with a barn.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the run-up and takeoff were normal. After takeoff to the south, he was planning to overfly the runway for a “photo pass.” He reported that he executed a slight right turn, followed by a left turn. He noted that the engine was running normally. However, he did not recall any subsequent events regarding the accident sequence. A witness reported that once airborne, the airplane turned right and then started a left turn above the trees. He noted that during the left turn, the airplane bank angle steepened and the descent rate increased. The engine sounded normal until impact with a barn. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact malfunction or failure. The pilot reported the wind was from the southwest, gusting to 20 knots with light turbulence, at the time of the accident. Based on the reported prevailing wind, a left turn after takeoff resulted in the airplane encountering a progressively increasing downwind condition during the turn.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the left turn to maintain altitude after takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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