Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 206H near Redding, CA — 2015-04-18

Final reportWPR15LA150
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Date
2015-04-18
Location
Redding, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 206H
Registration
N3535M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's intentional descent into terrain.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that he saw the airplane climb and then abruptly descend straight down and that it sounded as if the engine was at full power. Radar data indicated that the airplane departed the airport climbing to the east. While still climbing, the airplane made an approximate 360-degree turn. When the airplane reached about 5,500 ft, it descended in a straight line until it impacted the ground. While law enforcement officers were on scene, they received notification of a welfare check on the pilot because he had sent suicidal text messages to friends and family members earlier that morning. The autopsy report determined that the pilot's cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries and blunt force trauma with the manner of death being suicide.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have sought help instead of flying after sending suicidal messages.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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