Pilot Debrief

BRITISH AIRCRAFT CORP. BAC STKMSTR MK80 near Henderson, NV — 2017-07-24

Final reportWPR17LA163
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Date
2017-07-24
Location
Henderson, NV, USA
Airport
HND
Aircraft
BRITISH AIRCRAFT CORP. BAC STKMSTR MK80
Registration
N605GV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to ensure that the flaps were set to the proper position for takeoff which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne and unable to climb or accelerate and subsequently impacting terrain.

NTSB narrative

A Public Use aircraft in support of the U.S. Air Force, was taking off on a cross-country flight when it crashed shortly after takeoff. According the pilot, shortly after takeoff, the airplane failed to accelerate, and he was unable to initiate a normal climb. The airplane subsequently struck terrain and was consumed by fire. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the flaps were in the fully extended position. Additionally, maintenance personnel that launched the airplane, both stated that the airplane taxied from of the ramp area with the flaps fully extended. The pilot had performed a ground engine run to help maintenance personnel check that the replacement flap actuator was functioned properly and had no leaks. The pilot was asked to extend and retract the flaps several times. It is likely that the pilot was distracted by the airplane’s maintenance and associated ground tests and inadvertently failed to confirm the proper flap setting before takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified flap position before takeoff to prevent accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 15 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents15

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