Pilot Debrief

HARRIS-RUNYAN Skybolt 300 near Fairmont, OK — 2016-07-21

Final reportCEN16FA278
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Date
2016-07-21
Location
Fairmont, OK, USA
Aircraft
HARRIS-RUNYAN Skybolt 300
Registration
N511GS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's delay in recovering from an aerobatic maneuver resulting in collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot and pilot-rated passenger departed on a local flight with the intention of performing aerobatic maneuvers. According to a witness near the accident site, the airplane was performing aerobatic maneuvers. He stated that the airplane flew over at a high altitude and performed a barrel roll. The airplane continued south and then pitched up to climb straight up. The nose of the airplane came down through the horizon and the airplane started "tumbling". He stated that 1/3 of the way through the tumble the airplane rolled over on its back and entered an inverted flat spin. Damage to the airplane and witness marks on the ground were consistent with the airplane impacting the ground in an inverted, nose low attitude. No anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed. The witness did not see the final seconds of the flight and it is unknown if or when the pilot may have initiated a recovery from the intentional maneuver. It is likely that the pilot waited too long to recover from the aerobatic maneuver.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided aerobatic maneuvers that led to loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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