Pilot Debrief

HALL DON H RV-7 near Cumming, GA — 2012-09-13

Final reportERA12FA561
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Date
2012-09-13
Location
Cumming, GA, USA
Aircraft
HALL DON H RV-7
Registration
N517DG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

***This report was modified on June 4, 2013. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** Witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering in the area before the accident. One witness reported seeing the airplane spin “wing to wing down” before it disappeared behind trees. The airplane impacted terrain in an upright, nose-low attitude in a residential area. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Recorded engine and performance parameters revealed that the pilot reduced power and slowed the airplane while above 3,000 feet indicated altitude. Subsequently, the airplane began an uncontrolled descent. Engine performance indications were increasing during the seconds before impact. It is likely that when the pilot reduced engine power, the airspeed dropped below stall speed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided aerobatic maneuvering before the crash.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents23

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