Pilot Debrief

VALENTIN TAIFUN 17 E II near Mammoth Lakes, CA — 2009-04-24

Final reportWPR09LA222
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Date
2009-04-24
Location
Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
Aircraft
VALENTIN TAIFUN 17 E II
Registration
N20822
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a canyon.

NTSB narrative

The motor-glider wreckage was located in mountainous terrain at an elevation of about 8,000-feet. The wreckage debris path was dispersed throughout trees and extended for 325 feet in a shallow canyon. The nearest weather reporting station, located about 10 miles from the accident site, indicated that around the time of departure, there was a cloud ceiling at 4,200 feet with calm wind. The ceiling observation was lowered to 3,300 feet about 2 hours later, with the wind gusting from 10 to 24 knots. Postaccident inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances leading up to the accident could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have filed a flight plan to enhance search and rescue efforts.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

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