Pilot Debrief

SPORTFLIGHT INTERNATIONAL LLC ASTRA HKS near Bloomfield, IN — 2009-08-25

Final reportCEN09LA543
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Date
2009-08-25
Location
Bloomfield, IN, USA
Aircraft
SPORTFLIGHT INTERNATIONAL LLC ASTRA HKS
Registration
N940Z
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that the airplane was flying from north to south over the airport. One witness, who was an instructor and builder of the accident airplane make and model, observed the airplane "initiate a steep climb and then an approximate 60 degree bank turn." He described the bank as "non-sustainable, too much slide." Another witness reported that while maneuvering for the landing, the airplane entered a "hard left bank at low altitude and went into the ground." Witnesses reported the sky was clear and the wind was calm. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the airframe or engine. Toxicology test results were consistent with the recent use of diphenhydramine, a sedating and impairing over-the-counter antihistamine often known by the trade name of Benadryl. The extent to which impairment from the medication may have played a role in the accident could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided steep climb and hard left bank maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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