Pilot Debrief

MAXAIR Drifter near Bumpass, VA — 2009-08-09

Final reportERA09LA452
Sign in to save
Date
2009-08-09
Location
Bumpass, VA, USA
Aircraft
MAXAIR Drifter
Registration
N160HA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The accelerated stall induced by the pilot in a steep turn to avoid obstacles during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s chosen takeoff path and the density altitude.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s chosen takeoff path and the density altitude.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses described 3 amateur-built float planes in the cove where their boats were anchored. Several described two floatplanes departing “towards the water,” while the accident airplane taxied out toward open water and then “turned around and took off towards land.” One witness described the application of full power, and all of the witnesses described a steep left bank almost immediately after takeoff before the airplane descended nose down into the water, and submerged. One witness was "alarmed" by how close to shore the airplane was before it lifted off the water. He said, "As the aircraft banked left along the shoreline to head out into open water, I saw the aircraft attempt to make what looked like a very sharp turn to avoid the approaching tree line." The witness took photographs of the airplane in sequence during the accident flight. They illustrate the initial take off run; lift off, low-level banking turn along the lake shore, and the impact with the water. The curve of the shoreline tightened along the airplane's route of flight, and the airplane impacted the water where the shore was perpendicular to the flight path, and lined with tall trees. Many of the witnesses stated that the airplane “appeared to stall” before striking the water. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any mechanical deficiencies. The calculated density altitude at takeoff was 2,701 feet.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided sharp turn towards trees during takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps