Pilot Debrief

BEECH V35 near Union City, OK — 2017-03-24

Final reportCEN17FA138
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Date
2017-03-24
Location
Union City, OK, USA
Aircraft
BEECH V35
Registration
N2053Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper recovery from a spin.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on a local pleasure flight in a single-engine airplane. A witness reported seeing the airplane descending in a "spin" from a high altitude. The airplane impacted terrain and a post-crash fire ensued. A review of radar data showed the airplane's departure from a small airport on a north heading. The airplane reached an altitude of 5,500 ft, before it slowed down. The last radar return was about 9 minutes after the airplane departed and showed the airplane near the accident site at 5,250 ft and 73 knots. The post-crash fire consumed or thermally damaged most of the airplane. The extensive fire and impact damage limited the scope of the examination; however, no pre-impact abnormities were noted with the engine or airframe. The pilot's toxicology test was positive for an over-the-counter pain and an anti-depressant medication; neither medication is considered impairing. However, the possible effects of depression could not be determined from the available evidence. Weather conditions were favorable for the flight. The accident is consistent with the pilot not recovering from the spin; however, a reason for the initial loss of control could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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