Pilot Debrief

LANNI CHARLES T SKYRANGER II near Breaux Bridge, LA — 2024-05-11

Final reportCEN24LA194
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Date
2024-05-11
Location
Breaux Bridge, LA, USA
Airport
LS34
Aircraft
LANNI CHARLES T SKYRANGER II
Registration
N122LF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to depart with the airplane over maximum gross weight, which reduced the climb performance and resulted in a collision with a tree.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger planned to complete a local flight from a private grass strip. Before departure, the pilot told the passenger that they would need to fly under power lines, then they could climb to a higher altitude. After flying under the power lines, the airplane continued about 0.5 nm at a low altitude and the right wing struck a tree. The airplane impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on passenger weight and fueling information provided by the airstrip owner and friend of the pilot, the airplane was likely over its maximum gross weight, which resulted in a degraded climb performance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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