Pilot Debrief

BECKERT BRUCE A RV-6 near Au Gres, MI — 2012-05-13

Final reportCEN12CA294
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Date
2012-05-13
Location
Au Gres, MI, USA
Aircraft
BECKERT BRUCE A RV-6
Registration
N212LB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the water.

NTSB narrative

The pilot contacted his friend and told him to be at the beach and watch for the airplane. The friend reported that he saw the airplane make about three passes up and down the beach. On the third pass, the airplane made a steep left turn, which the friend believed resulted in a stall. The pilot reported that, as he arrived at the peninsula, he proceeded across the shoreline, crossed the beach, and dropped to an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level. He made a right turn, and then, after passing the bridge, he made a tight left turn and “felt a bump/drop, as if my left wing lost lift.” He leveled off, slightly nose high, and headed in an east to southeast direction. The pilot could not recall any further details of the accident. The airplane impacted just offshore in about 5 feet of water, and the forward fuselage sustained substantial damage. The airplane’s sudden wing drop is consistent with an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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