Pilot Debrief

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation A36 near Seligman, AZ — 2010-06-19

Final reportWPR10FA305
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Date
2010-06-19
Location
Seligman, AZ, USA
Aircraft
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation A36
Registration
N155FT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain in the dark night.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a visual flight rules flight on a dark night, and family members reported that he had been drinking alcohol and was under emotional distress. Toxicological testing gave no conclusive results as to the pilot's alcohol intoxication level, if any, at the time of the accident. Radar data identified as the airplane's flight track showed a progression from east to west, with the radar targets showing a gradual descent to the altitude of the mountainous terrain in the area, and then ending in the vicinity of the accident site. Very few ground reference lights existed in the area of the accident site and the moon was in its first quarter and would not have provided any significant illumination of the terrain. The radar data was consistent with the pilot's loss of situational awareness during the dark night and the airplane gradually descending into terrain. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot's decision to fly after binge drinking and emotional distress.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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